Soccer: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Transcript: Xabi Alonso Not Satisfied After Real Madrid's Copa Del Rey Win vs Talavera

Real Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, but struggled through the final moments of the game. Despite leading 2-0 and 3-1, the home team pulled them back twice to cause some scares late on.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Barcelona President Joan Laporta sends new dart to Real Madrid – 'They can’t stand it'

In recent weeks, there has been off-field back-and-forth statements from the presidents of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Florentino Perez aimed a new dart at the Catalans earlier in the week, and while Joan Laporta hit back soon after, he has now issued new remarks on the matter.

Real Madrid News / Football Espana / December 17

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso reacts to narrow Talavera victory – 'These things happen in the Copa del Rey'

Real Madrid secured their progression to the next round of the Copa del Rey with a narrow 3-2 victory over Talavera on Wednesday. It was far from convincing for Los Blancos, but in cup competitions, the result is all that matters.

Arsenal FC News / Just Arsenal / December 17

Pundit explains why Arsenal should respect the Visit Rwanda deal as it ends

Arsenal have ended their long-standing commercial relationship with the Rwandan government, meaning the Visit Rwanda branding will no longer appear on the club’s sleeves from next season.

Crystal Palace News / Absolute Chelsea on SI / December 17

Carabao Cup draw: Chelsea learn semi-final opponents after Cardiff City victory

Chelsea have discovered who they will face in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Enzo Maresca's side have been rewarded with a semi-final tie against Arsenal or Crystal Palace after overcoming Cardiff City in the quarter-finals on Tuesday night.

Real Madrid News / Football Espana / December 17

Real Madrid player ratings against Talavera: Kylian Mbappe stands tall but concerns in defence

Real Madrid are through to the next round of the Copa del Rey, having narrowly seen off Talavera 3-2 at El Prado. Could have done better for Talavera’s first goal, but he was faultless aside from that.

RB Leipzig News / Esteemed Kompany / December 17

Manchester City 2 Brentford 0: City player ratings as City progress in the Carabao Cup

Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City cruised into the semi-final stage of the Carabao Cup with a 2-nil win over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.

VfL Wolfsburg News / Caught Offside / December 17

Report: Club in talks to sign 22-year-old ace from Sunderland

Sunderland defender Jensen Seelt is currently on loan at German club VFL Wolfsburg. The 22-year-old joined the club last summer, and he has done quite well for them.

Tottenham Hotspur News / Caught Offside / December 17

Report: Tottenham want six-time La Liga winner to replace inconsistent starter

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 33-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Spanish club.

Real Madrid News / Football Espana / December 17

Real Madrid see off defiant Talavera to secure Copa del Rey progression

Talavera 2-3 Real Madrid Real Madrid are through to the next round of the Copa del Rey, but they were run close by First Federation side Talavera at El Prado.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / December 17

Maresca wants to sign 26-year-old star Paratici has earmarked for Tottenham move

Chelsea are interested in improving the defensive unit with the signing of Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan. A report from FCInterNews claims Enzo Maresca is an admirer of the defender, and he wants to bring the player to England.

Soccer News / To The Lane And Back / December 17

Pep Guardiola has his say on Tottenham’s approach to sign Man City star

Tottenham Hotspur continue to keep moving between promise and panic, and because of that, the season so far feels loose, unsettled, and emotionally draining for every fan.

Juventus FC News / Juvefc.com / December 17

Does Yildiz need more freedom in Juventus matches

Kenan Yildiz is probably the most talked-about player in the Juventus squad, and the attacker will continue to be in the news. At present, he has been one of the best players in Serie A and Juve’s go-to man when they need to open up a game.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 17

Viktor Gyokeres beats Alexander Isak to an award

Sweden currently boasts two of the most expensive strikers in the Premier League, with Alexander Isak playing for Liverpool and Viktor Gyokeres representing Arsenal.

Soccer News / Juvefc.com / December 17

Barcelona and Bayern Munich continue to follow Juventus star

Dusan Vlahovic could be entering his final season as a Juventus player as he continues to run down his contract at the club. The striker is due to be out of contract in the summer, and there has been no indication of a renewed offer from the Bianconeri.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'Youngest 40-point NBA games' quiz

The 'Active NFL 5-passing-TD games' quiz

The 'Last 10-TD season by NFL team' quiz

The '2025-26 bowl game host cities' quiz

Soccer News / Caught Offside / December 17

Former star pinpoints three signings Liverpool need to make urgently to bounce back

Liverpool have had a disappointing season by their standards so far. They were expected to challenge for the league title once again, but they are currently fighting for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season.

Soccer News / Football Italia / December 17

Exclusive: Roma identify Raspadori as potential alternative to Man Utd outcast Zirkzee

Not only Joshua Zirkzee – as revealed more than a month ago, Roma’s radar continues to include other attacking profiles, and the club are working hard on Giacomo Raspadori, who is set to leave Atlético Madrid.

Nottingham Forest News / Caught Offside / December 17

Man United in contact to sign 15-goal playmaker West Ham would ‘love’ to sign

Ruben Neves has been linked with a return to the Premier League in recent weeks. The 28-year-old is on the radar of Manchester United, Newcastle United and West Ham United.

Soccer News / To The Lane And Back / December 17

Tottenham eye January move for in-form La Liga winger amid Premier League competition

Tottenham Hotspur continue to search for options to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window. The need for reinforcements has been accentuated by the sudden, alarming dip in form of Thomas Frank’s side.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 17

Real Madrid unlikely to accept offer from Arsenal for youngster

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Víctor Valdepeñas following his debut for Real Madrid over the weekend. While his appearance at the senior level has attracted wider attention, the defender is not a new name to the Gunners, and his first-team outing merely reinforced their long-standing belief in his ability.

Soccer News / Stretty News / December 17

Major boost for Man Utd as ‘extraordinary’ UCL star wants out; He’s more affordable than Semenyo

The stars could finally line up for Manchester United in their quest to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi. The Red Devils’ main priority in

Chelsea FC News / Chelsea News / December 17

Match Report: Chelsea get firing in second half to beat Cardiff 3-1 in EFL Cup quarter-final

Chelsea brought on the big guns in the second half and beat Cardiff 3-1 in the EFL Quarter Final last night. Enzo Maresca risked a fully rotated team to start the game, only drawing for some first team stars at half time when the Blues were looking in trouble.

Nottingham Forest News / To The Lane And Back / December 17

Shocking stats over three league seasons show Tottenham’s problems go beyond Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank is facing serious questions over his role as Tottenham Hotspur head coach amid growing calls for his dismissal following recent results. The Dane replaced Ange Postecoglou in N17 in the summer, moving across the capital after more than six seasons with Brentford.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 17

Andrey Santos lifts the lid on whether he prefers to be a six or an eight in midfield

We were impressed by Andrey Santos’ performance last night against Cardiff, and we’ve generally liked what we’ve seen from him this season. It’s clear

Soccer News / Field Level Media / December 17

D.C. United acquire All-Star striker Tai Baribo from Union

D.C. United acquired All-Star striker Tai Baribo from the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday in exchange for up to $4.6 million. Philadelphia receives $4 million guaranteed and up to $600,000 more if certain incentives are reached by the 27-year-old Israeli international.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 17

'Trash' Joao Pedro and his 'terrible hold up play' won’t last 3 years at Chelsea claims pundit

Joao Pedro promised so much after arriving in the summer and looking great in the Club World Cup, but has struggled since. He hasn’t added the ruthless finishing that Nicolas Jackson lacks, but even worse he doesn’t offer anything like the same off the ball work or link up play as the Senegal star.

Manchester United News / Stretty News / December 17

Just in: ‘Wonderful’ Man Utd star looks destined for January move as top suitor accepts key condition

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee could end up joining Roma in January following a breakthrough in the negotiations between the two clubs. The 24-year-old has been unhappy with his limited playing time this season.

Soccer News / Stretty News / December 17

Luckhurst: Man United now preparing to ‘welcome’ £190k-a-week player to Ruben Amorim’s ranks

Manchester United are preparing to ‘welcome’ Harry Maguire back into the fold following his injury layoff. The centre-half has been ruled out since United’s 2-2 away draw with Tottenham Hotspur, during which he limped off in the 72nd minute with a hamstring issue.