The curtain finally fell on Real Madrid midfield maestro Luka Modric's superlative career at the club after a drubbing by Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey, but in years to come, that will be forgotten.
Luka Modric's illustrious Real Madrid career ended with a painful 4-0 thrashing by Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup semifinals but the Croatian maestro's legacy stretches far beyond a single game, manager Xabi Alonso said.
Xabi Alonso is looking forward to "starting from scratch" with Real Madrid next season after being thrown in at the deep end as coach of the Spanish giants in the Club World Cup.
Fabian Ruiz scored twice as European champions Paris Saint-Germain turned on the style in their reunion with Kylian Mbappe on Wednesday, thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup to set up a final showdown with Chelsea.
New signing Joao Pedro scored twice on his first start as Chelsea eased to a 2-0 win over Fluminense on Tuesday to seal a spot in the final of the Club World Cup.
Alonso's side find themselves in the semi-finals despite Mbappe still not having started a game at the tournament.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said superstar striker Kylian Mbappe is "better" ahead of the Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, but would not confirm if the Frenchman will start.
It was an impressive display from Xabi Alonso's Madrid side and adding to a positive day, Kylian Mbappe made his return from illness, coming on as a 68th-minute substitute for his first appearance of the tournament.
From Inter Miami's Lionel Messi facing former side Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid meeting Juventus and Chelsea taking on Benfica, here is how the last 16 of the Club World Cup have shaped up:
Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic will have to channel all his expertise into masterminding the game of his life to plot the downfall of Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday.
History beckons for Real Madrid as they chase a record-breaking 15th UEFA Champions League title. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund, who are hoping to put an end to a 27-year wait for the trophy, stand in Real's way as determined underdogs. Will Real's experience prevail, or can Dortmund pull off a stunning upset? Tune in to The Daily Star's podcast 'Pitch Perfect' for an in-depth take on this epic showdown.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been voted LaLiga's Player of the Season after the 20-year-old played a pivotal role in leading the club to their 36th league title.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was not included in Belgium's Euro 2024 squad named on Tuesday as he recovers full fitness following a season marred by injury.
Reaching a final is always a success," the Italian told a news conference on Monday.
The France captain is expected to join Los Blancos at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain contract this summer.
A goalless draw with Real Betis was largely irrelevant with Real confirmed as LaLiga champions and all the European qualification and relegation spots decided, so the evening was about celebrating the 34-year-old Kroos.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, on the eve of his side's final LaLiga match against Real Sociedad, said they fell short of their objectives this season and that title winners Real Madrid were the best team in the world.
Kylian Mbappe will bring the curtain down on his Paris Saint-Germain career on Saturday and has the chance to sign off with another trophy in the French Cup final against Lyon.
German soccer player Toni Kroos will retire after the European Championship, the Real Madrid midfielder announced on Tuesday, adding that the Champions League final will be his last game for the Spanish club.
