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Archive May 13, 2025

Real Madrid vs Mallorca: La Liga – Vinicius Jr, start, team news, lineups

Who: Real Madrid vs Mallorca
What: Spanish La Liga – Match day 36
Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
When: Wednesday at 9.30pm local time (19:30 GMT)

Follow Al Jazeera Sport’s live text and photo commentary stream.

Fresh from their demoralising 4-3 defeat at Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday, Real Madrid will now face Mallorca at home at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday as they desperately try to keep their La Liga title defence alive.

With three rounds to play, the championship calculus is relatively simple: Real need to keep winning and hope Barcelona, who have lost only two games in 2025 across all competitions, lose their remaining three league games.

Here are the key talking points as the Spanish giants embark on their must-win Match day 36 fixture against Mallorca, who currently sit ninth on the La Liga ladder:

El Clasico turned the La Liga title race

Barcelona’s dramatic 4-3 come-from-behind victory against Real on Sunday was undoubtedly the most devastating defeat of the four El Clasico fixtures Madrid have had to their great rivals in the 2024-25 season.

On most days, star striker Kylian Mbappe’s two goals in the opening 14 minutes of El Clasico, followed by a hat-trick in the 70th minute, would have been enough to bury any team in the Spanish top-flight – but this Barcelona side is the exception.

Real Madrid now find themselves seven points behind the Catalan giants with just three rounds remaining in La Liga.

The basic maths is quite straightforward: if Real lose or draw with Mallorca on Wednesday, Barcelona – even if they lost their last three matches – would win the La Liga title on a countback; if Real beat Mallorca on Wednesday and Barcelona defeat Espanyol on Thursday, then Barcelona are instantly crowned champions.

How bad has Real Madrid’s season been?

Real Madrid began the season as the defending La Liga champions with lofty aspirations to complete a rare title treble: La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League.

They did win the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup this season, but lost the Supercopa and Copa del Rey finals to Barcelona, while they were eliminated from the Champions League by Arsenal at the quarterfinal stage.

Real are 0-4 against Barcelona this season, having lost both La Liga fixtures as well as the aforementioned Supercopa and Copa del Rey finals.

Brazil-bound Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addresses the media in Valdebebas before their La Liga football match against Mallorca, in Madrid, Spain, May 13, 2025 [Thomas Coex/AFP]

The Ancelotti-Alonso distraction

It was announced on Monday that manager Carlo Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid for a second time, despite having a year remaining on his contract, after the Italian signed on to coach Brazil before the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Speculation of his departure had been in play for weeks after the 65-year-old all but admitted to the media he might leave the club after the Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona on April 26.

Also on Monday, multiple Spanish media outlets reported that former Real Madrid star midfielder – and current Bayer Leverkusen manager – Xabi Alonso is set to become the club’s next boss on a three-year deal when he leaves the German club after this season.

Alonso, 43, is expected to join Real before the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in the United States from June 15 to July 13, media reports said.

Team news – Real Madrid

In a serious blow to Real Madrid’s short-term prospects, star forward Vinicius Junior will sit out the match against Mallorca after picking up an ankle injury, following Sunday’s 4-3 loss to Barcelona.

Further depleting the regular starting XI are Lucas Vazquez, who is struggling with a thigh injury, and Aurelien Tchouameni, who picked up a yellow-card suspension and will miss out on Wednesday’s crucial contest.

The mysterious status of key attacking midfielder Rodrygo, who occupied a seat on the bench during El Clasico and is rumoured to be refusing to play in recent matches, was addressed by Ancelotti on Tuesday, who explained to the media why the Brazilian star will miss his third straight fixture.

“Rodrygo was struck by a fever last week, which hindered his training and recovery. Today, he mentioned some thigh discomfort that requires our careful attention. Post-fever, he’s not yet in top form. Despite the swirling speculation, it’s clear that Rodrygo is cherished by everyone, especially me,” Ancelotti said.

David Alaba, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal all remain unavailable through injury.

Ancelotti and Rodrygo react.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, left, and Rodrygo during the final training session on May 13, 2025, before the Mallorca La Liga fixture on Wednesday [Susana Vera/Reuters]

Team news – Mallorca

Manager Jagoba Arrasate is set to play Leo Roman in place of first-choice goalkeeper Dominik Greif against Real Madrid.

Key midfielder Robert Navarro is anticipated to miss the match as he battles back from an injury he picked up on March 2 against Alaves.

Abdon Prats, Chiquinho and Manu Morlanes are all questionable for this fixture.

Possible lineups:

Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Vallejo, Asencio, F Garcia; Bellingham, Modric; Guler, B Diaz, Endrick; Mbappe

Mallorca: Roman; Maffeo, Valjent, Raillo, Mojica; Mascarell, Samu; Asano, D Rodriguez, Darder; Muriqi

‘Not over yet’: Ancelotti on title race

“Every match against Mallorca is a battleground – intense and fiercely contested. Despite some key players being sidelined, we are prepared to field a formidable lineup. Our aim is to triumph in these final three games. The league battle is not over yet, and conceding to our adversaries is not an option. We’re determined to conclude this challenging season on a victorious note.”

Kylian Mbappe in action.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, centre, during training at Ciudad Real Madrid, Valdebebas, Spain on May 13, 2025 [Susana Vera/Reuters]

Top Tech: Samsung sale cuts Galaxy S25 to record low price as new Edge model drops

Samsung has launched its Galaxy S25 Edge smartphone but is tempting customers to stick with the current models in a surprise sale

Samsung and Sky Mobile are offering double storage on the Galaxy S25 Edge

Samsung has cut hundreds of pounds off the Samsung S25 following the announcement of a new edition to its smartphone range. On Tuesday, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge, a slimmer version of its standard S25, which is described as an ‘engineering marvel’ – now its previous model is on sale.

The sleek S25 Edge, which measures at just 5.8mm thick, is available to pre-order from Samsung or Sky Mobile, but at an eye-watering £1,000+ price. Those looking for a more affordable option may want to look at the usual S25 as it’s cut by £200.

While all eyes are on the new model, Samsung has quietly been cutting the cost of the rest of its Galaxy S25 range. The retailer is now offering the Galaxy S25 128GB for £599, with the 256GB model costing £659.

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READ MORE: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge pre-orders with official prices and double storage freebie

This marks a rare occasion where both models are cheaper than Amazon and Argos’ prices and a new record low on the standard S25. There’s also £150 off the Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB, which now comes in at £1,099 from Samsung, Argos and Amazon.

However, this is the same price as the new Galaxy S25 Edge, which is worth keeping in mind for those who like getting their hands on the latest model. As a brand-new model, the S25 Edge comes with a hefty price tag of £1,099 outright or £40 when spreading the cost.

However, Samsung and Sky are sweetening the deal by offering the 512GB model for the price of 256GB, while Sky is throwing in a free pair of Galaxy Buds3 Pro worth £219. The Daily Express’ Deputy Technology Editor Henry Burrell got his hands on the S25 Edge and hailed it as an ‘impressively slender piece of kit’.

Samsung Galaxy S25 in several colours
Argos and Amazon have cut £100 off the Samsung Galaxy S25

On the 1.4mm size difference between the Edge and the standard S25, Henry said: “Millimetre differences don’t sound like much on paper, but they make a huge difference to how this phone feels to hold. The S25 Edge is impressively thin and certainly awoke my inner nerd.

“But what struck me more was just how light the S25 Edge is. It weighs 163g, just one gram more than the S25, and less than the 190g S25 Plus and 218g S25 Ultra. The iPhone 16 is 7.8mm thick and weighs 190g.

“The S25’s dimensions, combined with its weight, make it feel truly feather-light.”

However, Henry did point out some reservations, adding: “With a large QHD 6.7-inch display, very similar to the one on the S25 Plus, the S25 Edge is a little hard to hold in one hand. Though it’s amazing Samsung has crammed all the componentry into the shrunken body, one thing it can’t slim down is the cameras.

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One Month in Ramallah: Life and leadership under occupation

In the heart of the occupied city of Ramallah, a governor leads her people through a month of grief, defiance and hope.

With rare access to the governor of Ramallah and el-Bireh, this film offers an intimate portrait of life under Israeli occupation in the West Bank. Over one month, Governor Laila Ghannam navigates her city, which is marked by protests, mourning, celebration and resilience.

Amid political tensions, she reveals how Ramallah functions under occupation – how it breathes, resists and supports its most vulnerable. Moving between high-level politics and everyday encounters, Ghannam reflects on the emotional and political landscape of her people, offering a powerful glimpse into the quiet strength and steadfastness of Palestinians.

‘I swapped my daily moisturiser for a £12 Korean sunscreen and my skin is so much better’

This SPF50+ from Korean skincare brand Beauty of Joseon, which is currently going viral, has become a new staple in my summer morning routine, says our writer

SPF is crucial for protecting the skin from sun damage and premature ageing(Image: Nina Crighton/Liverpool ECHO)

Having heard all about the wonders of Korean skincare products, renowned for their use of ingredients that give a radiant glow, I recently made a switch in my routine. I swapped in the viral Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+, which is currently on sale at LookFantastic, reduced to £12.40 from £15.50 – and it’s completely taken over as my daily moisturiser.

Its lightweight, non-greasy formula has an SPF 50+, offering super-high protection against sun damage and premature ageing. The first thing you’ll notice is that it doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all, instead leaving your skin feeling hydrated with a subtle healthy glow.

I found that my skin felt so quenched that I didn’t need to use a separate moisturiser, and it also sits really well underneath make-up, which can be a challenge to find with sunscreens. The only drawback I find is that the bottle isn’t massive, so it may run out quickly, but it’s a handy size to carry around.

READ MORE: Trinny London bronzer now under £5 in huge deal that saves you £170 on summer must-haves

READ MORE: ‘My boyfriend and I both use this £15 non-greasy Boots face sunscreen on holiday’

Model showing the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ 50ml
The SPF feels lightweight on the skin, suitable for all skin types including sensitive(Image: LookFantastic)

Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating SKINSCREEN by Australian brand Ultra Violette is another popular facial sunscreen choice. This one is currently discounted at Boots, down to £27.20 from £34.

Lookfantastic has also slashed 20% off La Roche-Posay Anthelios Suncream SPF50+, which is fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin types. Usually retailing at £20, it’s now down to £16, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Yet it’s the affordability and simplicity of the Beauty of Joseon SPF that clinches it as my top pick. Rice water, which this product contains, is known for its skin-brightening properties and its ability to address pigmentation and uneven skin tone. After using it for a couple of weeks, I’ve not seen a dramatic change in my skin’s overall tone, but it certainly feels nourished and hydrated post-application.

This viral Korean SPF has also collected an impressive average of 4.77 out of five stars on Lookfantastic’s website. A happy customer commented: “This is truly the best SPF I have used. It stayed great under make-up, didn’t make me super oily. Left me looking healthy and glowy with no residue feeling.”

Another remarked: “I love this sun cream! It’s so lightweight and skin is left looking dewy – not greasy. No white cast either so a big plus!”

A third person wrote: “On my 100th tube and will never stop repurchasing. LF offer was beyond fantastic!” – clearly, it’s become a firm favourite in many skincare routines

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However, as someone with normal to oily skin, I recognise that those with dry skin might not find it sufficiently moisturising. One reviewer noted: “It’s very light and watery. I need another moisturiser under it because it’s not thick enough for my dry skin.” For those seeking extra hydration, perhaps Ultra Violette’s hydrating option would be more appropriate.

Halle Berry forced to ditch Cannes red carpet outfit as it was banned over new dress code

Halle Berry has revealed that she had to make a last-minute ‘pivot’ when it came to her outfit for the Cannes Film Festival Opening Ceremony as it disobeyed the controversial new dress code.

As Cannes Film Festival’s new dress code made waves yesterday, it has left many A-list celebs scrambling for new outfits to abide. And Halle Berry, who is on the festival’s coveted jury this year, has admitted she had to make a last-minute switch-up when it came to her outfit for Tuesday evening’s red carpet opening ceremony.

In an update to the dress code this week, the festival banned full nudity and “voluminous” outfits, writing on its official charter: “For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival. Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre are not permitted.”

Talking at the Cannes press conference on Tuesday, alongside fellow jury member and succession actor Jeremy Strong, Halle admitted she was amongst those slightly blindsided by the new rules. “I had an amazing dress and I cannot wear it because the train is too big, so I, of course I’m going to follow the rules,” she said with a sigh.

Halle said she had to ‘make a pivot’ after reading the new dress code(Image: Getty Images)

“But, I had to make a pivot. But the nudity part I think is, probably, also a good rule,” added Halle.

The rule change comes after Julia Fox bared all in a see-through corset during the 2023 edition of the Cannes festival, alongside many others making some eyebrow-raising red carpet appearances over the years. While it’s also hot off the heels of a string of controversial appearances from Bianca Censori, who wore a naked dress – leaving little to the imagination – to the 2025 Oscars, after several bizarre outfit choices.

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With a new outfit in toe, Halle is expected to walk the red carpet alongside the likes of Tom Cruise and Naomi Harris for the opening ceremony, which kicks off the ceremony and features a screening of new musical comedy film Leave One Day.

Robert De Niro will also be awarded the the honorary Palme d’Or award for lifetime achievement at the ceremony.

Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong at Cannes Film Festival
She joined fellow jury members such as Jeremy Strong at the press conference to kick off Cannes Film Festival(Image: Getty Images)

Later in the week, Tom Cruise will take to the red carpet for the highly-anticipated premiere of his new Mission Impossible movie, while others such as Eva Longoria, Heidi Klum and Bella Hadid are spending time on the Cote d’azur for the two-week long festival.

For those looking to celeb-spot, hotels such as the Martinez, Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc and the Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel, are all housing the A-list this year for the festival.

You can also head to hotspots such as the Carlton Cannes beach, Lucia Cannes and Copal Beach to try your luck at some parties across the week. While you may not make it inside, those A-Listers have to stumble out at some point…

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Captain Jennings stands down after Lancashire apologise for poor start

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Lancashire batter Keaton Jennings has stood down as captain of the side in the County Championship.

His announcement came shortly after the club put out a statement apologising to fans for their poor start to the season, which sees them sit bottom of Division Two after the opening five matches of the campaign.

The Red Rose county were relegated last season and, after four draws to begin the year, they lost this week to Northamptonshire at the County Ground.

Australian batter Marcus Harris, 33, has taken over as interim captain.

Former England player Jennings, who will continue to lead the side in the T20 Blast, had led Lancashire across all formats since 2023 and signed a new five-year deal in December last year.

“This has not been an easy decision, however after reflection and conversations with the management, I believe the team will benefit from a change of captaincy,” the 32-year-old told the club website.

“My passion and commitment to serving Lancashire has not and will never change. Our current position in the table is not reflective of our commitment as a team and club to winning.”

Performance director Mark Chilton said Jennings had given “total commitment” to the role.

‘Being bottom of Division Two is not acceptable’

Lancashire batsman Keaton Jennings (right) walks off after being bowled by Northamptonshire's Harry Conway (left)Getty Images

Earlier on Tuesday, Chilton and board member John Abrahams said sorry to members and other supporters for their slow start to the 2025 campaign.

“We are all desperately disappointed with the start to the season over the last six weeks and acknowledge that our current form has not been good enough,” Chilton told the club website.

“The coaching staff and players are working extremely hard to turn things around, and we expect to see improvement and progress in the coming weeks, starting with the game starting on Friday against Derbyshire.

“Being bottom of Division Two is not acceptable and we have critical work to do over the coming days to get back on track, and we will make necessary changes to enable us to do this.”

Abrahams added that the board are behind head coach Dale Benkenstein and his staff, but that measures are being taken to try to improve results, including player recruitment.

“We want members to know that the club will do whatever the cricket department needs to effect change quickly,” said Abrahams.

“We continually look at different ways we can improve the squad, whether that be loan or permanent additions.

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