Historically, the first international games after a major tournament are usually either dreary or one-sided affairs (or, in the worst cases, both) as countries regroup from the success, failure, or ambivalence of their summer performances. For instance, in the first fixtures after both England and Spain bombed to group-stage exits at the 2014 World Cup,…

The opening stage of the 2018-19 Champions League season is set, and there is more than one quartet that could be dubbed the Group of Death. At the bottom of the draw, Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United’s Paul Pogba will return to their former clubs in a group completed by rejuvenated Spanish giants Valencia…

Spanish football changed when Atletico Madrid won La Liga in May 2014. It was the first time in a decade a team other than Real Madrid or Barcelona had clinched the title, achieved with a fraction of the budget. It was a triumph of defense, perseverance, and organization, the three pillars of Diego Simeone’s tactical…

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique didn’t shy away when addressing reports linking Paul Pogba with a move to the Camp Nou. The Manchester United midfielder’s relationship with manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly deteriorated in recent months, with Spanish media suggesting Barcelona is eager to add Pogba to their ranks before the summer transfer window closes in…

Speculation over Paul Pogba’s future at Manchester United could linger until the end of August following vague comments from Barcelona’s president about the club’s reported interest in the midfielder. Despite scoring in United’s season-opening win over Leicester City, Pogba added to reports of a strained relationship with manager Jose Mourinho, suggesting he would get fined…

Contrary to reports, it was Newcastle United who offered manager Rafa Benitez to Spain in the wake of Julen Lopetegui’s sacking ahead of the 2018 World Cup, according to Royal Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales. After Lopetegui accepted an offer to manage Real Madrid, the Spanish FA made the stunning decision to relieve him…

Everyone starts somewhere. If you enjoyed the World Cup but don’t typically follow European football (or soccer, for those applicable), don’t fret. Navigating the many domestic leagues across Europe can be tricky – even for many longtime fans. One of the best ways to dive into the club game is by finding a team to…

Roma’s loss is Barcelona’s gain. Despite initially agreeing with the Serie A club over the transfer of gifted Brazilian winger Malcom, Bordeaux had a last-minute about-face and sent the 21-year-old star to Barcelona for a fee of €41 million. Though the sudden interest from La Liga’s reigning champion was a bit of a shock, the…

Gareth Bale likely won’t end up at Manchester United any time soon. The Real Madrid standout suggested he might be ready to move on following the Champions League final, citing his lack of playing time under former manager Zinedine Zidane during the 2017-18 season. Manchester United, once again, emerged as a possible destination, but Jose…