Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, Girona, Levante and Sevilla were all at the centre of a gripping La Liga Sunday that delivered goals, controversy and vital points at both ends of the table.
Real Madrid will begin their 2026 campaign without Dani Carvajal, with the veteran right-back ruled out of Sunday's La Liga match against Real Betis as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is focusing on his current squad after the club confirmed there are unlikely to be major signings in the January 2026 transfer window.
Real Madrid's plans for the opening weeks of 2026 have been disrupted after Kylian Mbappe was diagnosed with a sprain to his left knee, an injury that is set to sideline the club's leading scorer for upcoming domestic and cup fixtures.
Vinicius Junior has called for hope and renewed determination as Real Madrid look to turn the page on a difficult 2025.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos admitted coaching the club is one of the toughest jobs in football but is confident Xabi Alonso has the talent to turn their disappointing start to the season around.