3 h. ago Raphinha, the man who almost left, leads Barcelona to verge of dream title | Sid Lowe

Captain has swapped rejection for affection and added to a season of unbelievable highs in thrilling clásicoBarcelona couldn’t get the player they wanted so they just had to settle for the best. At the end of another wild, joyous and exhausting afternoon, another clásico won their way, the captain called them all into the middle of Montjuïc. And where Raphael Dias Belloli calls, his teammates follow, all the way to the title. Which was why, an arm raised, a wrist wrapped in a blue bandage lifted above the crowd like a symbol of strength, the Brazilian who has been better than anyone anywhere, now gathered them round and led them into a lap of honour together. It was time to give thanks; time to get thanks, too.They had earned it. Real Madrid, who were supposed to be invincible, had been beaten again. Sunday was the fourth time time this season, a record unmatched in 125 years: four victories in as many cities, Barcelona scoring four goals to go with the three, five and four in the p...

Politics

4 h. ago Leon Balogun in grinning Real Madrid quip as Rangers rocket on the rise told what he needs to hit next height

The veteran stopper has loved every single minute of his Ibrox experience insisting 'It's been the best time of my career'

Events

4 h. ago Carlo Ancelotti appointed Brazil manager after disappointing Real Madrid campaign

The 65-year-old had one year left on his contract at the Bernabeu but a deal has been brokered by businessman Diego Fernandes, on behalf of the Brazil Football Confederation.

Politics

5 h. ago Carlo Ancelotti confirmed as first foreign manager of Brazil men’s team

Real Madrid head coach to start Seleção job on 26 May Brazilian FA hails ‘the coming together of two icons’Carlo Ancelotti has been confirmed as the next manager of the Brazil national team. The Brazilian football confederation (CBF) has announced that Real Madrid’s Italian head coach, one of the most successful managers in the history of European club football, will take up the position from 26 May.The appointment had been widely predicted, with it also expected the 65-year-old would be leaving his post at the Bernabéu at the end of the Spanish domestic season. Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Carlo Ancelotti appointed Brazil manager as Real Madrid exit date confirmed

Italian to leave the Bernabeu and take Selecao reins this month, with Xabi Alonso lined up as his replacement

Politics

6 h. ago Carlo Ancelotti gets Brazil manager job as Real Madrid plan 'special farewell'

Real Madrid are already planning a 'special farewell' for outgoing boss Carlo Ancelotti who has been appointed by the Brazilian national team on Monday

Society

6 h. ago Carlo Ancelotti’s new job confirmed with Real Madrid exit imminent

Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season with the club on course for a trophyless campaign

Politics

6 h. ago BREAKING: Carlo Ancelotti 'appointed Brazil manager' as Real Madrid exit date confirmed

Carlo Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid at the end of the La Liga season and the Italian has agreed to take his first job in international management with Brazil

Politics

12 h. ago Can watching sport really improve your wellbeing? The science suggests it can | Sean Ingle

Couch potatoes and die-hard fans rejoice; all that time and money spent on your sports addiction may just be worth itAnd still the feast goes on. Since Rory McIlroy won a Masters for the ages, fans with multiple satellite TV subscriptions – and irregular sleeping habits – have been able to gorge on an extraordinary amount of dramatic sport. Seesawing shifts in momentum? Late twists? Huge shocks? We’ve had them all.It says something when Barcelona’s epic 3-2 victory against Real Madrid in a Copa del Rey final was only their third-most exciting match in the past month; and when my sober-eyed colleague Robert Kitson describes Northampton’s 37-34 Champions Cup win at Leinster as “one of the all‑time great knockout heists”. Continue reading...

Politics

19 h. ago Real Madrid eye duo of Premier League goalkeepers to succeed Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois has been a key man for Real Madrid for a number of years but the Spanish giants have turned their attentions to English football for a long-term replacement

Politics

22 h. ago Hansi Flick says Barça ‘don’t feel like champions’ after chaotic clásico

Team ‘have to improve defensively’, says head coachFlick says ‘we still need three points’ to secure titleHansi Flick said he was going to have check on his heart after he watched his side come back from 2-0 down to beat Real Madrid 4-3 in a wild, chaotic game that virtually secured a league and cup double in his first season.After two Kylian Mbappé goals inside 15 minutes Barcelona were trailing, their grip on the title seeming to loosen, their great rival momentarily moving within a point at the top of the table, but goals from Eric Garcia and Lamine Yamal and two from Raphinha put them ahead before half-time. Continue reading...

Politics

24 h. ago Andy Robertson reacts to Liverpool fans booing 'best mate' Trent in emotional tribute

Alexander-Arnold will leave Anfield when his contract expires this summer and is expected to join Real Madrid

Society

26 h. ago Barcelona sink Real Madrid with thrilling Clasico comeback as LaLiga title beckons

Barca quickly erase early deficit to go seven points clear of fiercest rivals with only three games left to play this season

Politics

27 h. ago Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE: El Clasico result and reaction after seven

Barcelona bounce back from Champions League semi-final defeat to win seven-goal thriller in El Clasico

Politics

27 h. ago Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE: El Clasico result, match stream and latest updates today

Thrilling LaLiga title race could be settled in a final high-stakes derby showdown of the season

Politics

27 h. ago Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE: El Clasico latest score, match stream and goal updates today

Thrilling LaLiga title race could be settled in a final high-stakes derby showdown of the season

Sport

28 h. ago Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE: El Clasico match stream, latest score and updates after stunning first half

Thrilling LaLiga title race could be settled in a final high-stakes derby showdown of the season

Sport

28 h. ago Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE: Latest score as Barca fight back to lead thrilling El Clasico

Barcelona will hope to bounce back from defeat in their Champions League semi-final classic against Inter Milan

Sport

29 h. ago Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE: El Clasico latest score as Barca look to close in on La Liga title

Barcelona will hope to bounce back from defeat in their Champions League semi-final classic against Inter Milan

Politics

29 h. ago Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE: El Clasico match stream, latest score and goal updates today

Thrilling LaLiga title race could be settled in a final high-stakes derby showdown of the season

Sport