It is clear that Real Madrid and Barcelona are no longer the staunch allies they pretended to be in recent years when they had common objectives to fulfil.After a period of diplomacy where the

Rodrygo secured Real Madrid a crucial 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves on Sunday in LaLiga, ending a dismal run of form and keeping them within four points of leaders Barcelona.

Copa del Rey monarchs Barcelona begin their title defense in the round of 32 when they visit third-division side Guadalajara, marking the first ever meeting between the two Spanish clubs.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has used his traditional Christmas address to launch a blistering attack on Spanish football authorities regarding the Negreira scandal. The club chief labelled the affair the "biggest scandal in football history" and slammed La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for leaving his club "isolated" in their pursuit of justice over the controversial payments.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso may have bought himself more time, and the lack of viable alternatives available might help keep him in the job.

Also linked with an exit from Liverpool is center back Ibrahima Konaté. With Inter exploring a January move, the Reds would be ready to sell for just €15 million (£13.2 million, $17.6 million) to avoid losing him for free next summer. (Source: L’Interista)

Real Madrid secured victory against Alaves on Sunday night, and with it, likely gave Xabi Alonso at least another week in the job. However the victory did not come without controversy, with Los