Before a football-packed Saturday gets underway, here are the five stories you can’t miss to start your day…
La Rosaleda: “Bryan [Zaragoza], drop dead”
📸 Fran Santiago – 2026 Getty Images
La Liga football returned with Málaga taking on Espanyol. Bryan Zaragoza scored for the Catalan side and celebrated by cupping his hand to his ear.
In response, the La Rosaleda crowd began chanting: ‘Bryan, drop dead’.
Bryan himself, who had already been exchanging some barbs with his opponents, later explained his celebration: “It wasn’t a message to the crowd. I have affection and respect for Málaga, but I’ve never played here, and I haven’t scored in a while, so if I score, I’m going to celebrate”.
He added: “I could have played here, but they’ve never wanted me”.
Atlético’s ‘dig’ at Real Madrid over Fede Valverde
After Real Madrid described Fede Valverde’s injury as a grade III sprain, Atlético Madrid aimed a dig at Los Blancos upon seeing the Uruguayan included in the squad to face Villarreal.
Portugal sanctions Cristiano Ronaldo
📸 FAYEZ NURELDINE – AFP or licensors
After leaving Portugal’s training camp without permission, Cristiano Ronaldo has been sanctioned by the Portuguese Football Federation.
The Portuguese star still doesn’t know how long he will be suspended, but it is expected to be between one and six months.
Enzo Maresca comes to Manchester City’s defence
📸 Matt McNulty – 2026 Getty Images
After Manchester City were found guilty on 115 charges, Enzo Maresca has come to their defence.
The manager said: “The reason I joined this team is that I have 100% trust in the owners, the chief executive, the sporting director and the entire organisation, so I have no doubts about it”. He added: “I’ve spoken to the club, of course. We all have confidence, and the right time to talk will probably be when we win this appeal”.
Vincenzo Montella sacked by Turkey
📸 Marco Luzzani – 2026 Getty Images
Following their World Cup group-stage exit and disastrous Nations League performances against Italy, France and Belgium, Turkey have decided to part ways with Vincenzo Montella.
The Italian manager had previously brought out the best in the Turkish side, but that had not been the case recently, prompting the decision to make a change.
His replacement is rumoured to be Arda Turan, who played for Atlético Madrid among other clubs.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
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