Archive September 26, 2025

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: La Liga – teams, start, lineups

By in News, World News

Who: Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid
What: Spanish La Liga
Where: Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain
When: Saturday, September 26, at 4:15PM (14:15 GMT)
How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 1:15pm (13:15 GMT) in advance of our live text commentary stream.

Real Madrid have had a flawless season under Xabi Alonso, but their new coach warned against complacency on Friday, the day before his first derby as the league’s leaders.

Recommended Stories

list of 4 itemsend of list

Alonso spent five seasons playing for Real before moving on to take his team to the Metropolitano stadium to face Atletico in his most recent role, where his team are in top form.

Real have won all six of their league matches, going on to lose to Barcelona, by two goals.

We can’t get too confident because we’ve only played six games and earned full points, as Alonso previously stated in a press release before Saturday’s game.

You can’t possibly believe that the team we have or the badge you wear will win you on the field. The more games we win, in my opinion, the more we educate ourselves to become ready to play any match on any field.

And if we get many games right, we can get a lot of points if we win a lot of them. However, we must not relax because a break can cost you.

Is this Real Madrid’s first managerial trip to Atletico?

Alonso has faced Atletico as manager when he was in charge of Bayer Leverkusen (drawn 2-2 in Madrid in 2022 shortly after taking over the German club and lost 2-1 away last season), but the situation is entirely different.

Alonso said, “It’s undoubtedly different going to the Metropolitano than it is with Real Madrid.”

Because of the healthy rivalry, I believe we can continue to enjoy it tomorrow because it’s something beautiful, enjoyed for many years, and hopefully continues to do so.

How does Atletico Madrid prepare for a Real Madrid visit?

Real Madrid are currently trailing their Madrid rivals by nine points, but Diego Simeone’s Atletico have won two of their six league games, which is not particularly relevant at this point.

Over the past two seasons, Real haven’t defeated Atletico in the league.

Alonso said, “The standings don’t say much at this time.

The match will be difficult, but it will be close, and we could extend the lead. We’ll have to work hard to win at the Metropolitano, which is difficult.

Simeone impressed Alonso, but he didn’t set any goals.

Alonso, 43, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti at Atletico in June, has been in charge for 14 years.

Alonso remarked, “What Simeone has done over these 14 years at Atletico is very important, not just what he’s accomplished.”

I like to proceed step by step because I’m just starting out. I don’t have any long-term goals like that.

“We will see,” he said, “but there is still a long way to go.”

What transpired last between Real Madrid and Atletico?

Diego Simeone, the coach of Atletico Madrid, is infamous for deviating from the present, but when his team hosts Real, it’s difficult not to look both in the direction and the back.

The Champions League last 16 meeting between these teams took place in March, when Atletico were eliminated following Julian Alvarez’s controversially disallowed shootout penalty.

The Rojiblancos swooned for weeks after Alvarez was found guilty of double-kicking the ball, which quickly led to a disastrous season. They may not have fully recovered since then.

Can Simeone reverse Atletico’s fortunes?

Alex Baena, David Hancko, and Thiago Almada were among the signings Atletico made for more than 175 million euros ($204 million), in addition to this.

After his team came from behind to defeat Rayo Vallecano 3-2 in a thrilling encounter on Wednesday, Simeone said, “We want to recover as best we can.”

“We will have a really hard, difficult game against a team that has been playing for a long time and has a ton of very talented players.”

What Atletico record has Simeone had?

Simeone took over the reins of a La Liga club this week after beginning his tenure in December 2011 and becoming the longest-serving coach.

Simeone has been instrumental in Atletico’s ability to reach two Champions League finals, both of which were won by Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016 and to bring them two La Liga titles.

Unfortunately, the team has fallen off a high since winning La Liga in 2021, which is unfortunate.

In August, Simeone stated that the team needs to “evolve to the level the club desires.”

What was Real Madrid’s prior to the derby like?

If Real emerge victorious this weekend, Alonso can match Vanderlei Luxemburgo’s record of seven straight league victories at the start of a 2005 campaign.

Superstar striker Kylian Mbappe, who has seven goals in the top echelon, is the main reason behind Madrid’s outstanding results. The France international finished the previous campaign strong and has continued that throughout the new campaign.

What has been Atletico’s biggest difficulty?

Prior to Alvarez’s hat-trick against Rayo, Atletico struggled with finesse in front of goal, which was Real’s lack of. Alvarez added four league goals with his hat-trick against Real.

“Julian is our best player,” said Julian. He stays at Atletico for many years because we need to look after him, Simeone said.

He must assist us, and we must assist him, to ensure that his performance is higher than it is at this time. He consistently makes a difference and is a huge help to us.

When and against whom does Barcelona, the champion of La Liga, play?

Real Sociedad will host second-placed Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday, hoping Real Madrid will close the two-point lead.

news from the Atletico Madrid team

On Wednesday, Spanish international Alexander Sorloth received a new suspension while Alex Baena returned from injury to start on the bench.

However, injuries keep Thiago Almada, Johnny Cardoso, and Jose Gimenez from being seen.

Real Madrid team news

Alonso said Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga were fit enough to start after recently recovering from injury and playing as substitutes, but he wouldn’t give any details about his starting lineup.

Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all still out injured.

Starting lineup was predicted by Atletico Madrid.

Oblak, Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Hancko, Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Gallagher, Alvarez, Sorloth

Real Madrid had a starting lineup in mind.

EU to develop ‘drone wall’ amid regional airspace violations

By in News, World News

According to the defense chief of the European Union, the ministers of defense have agreed to build a “drone wall” along their borders with Russia and Ukraine to track, track, and intercept airstrikes.

The news comes after rogue drones rattling eastern EU members swooped into Polish airspace on September 10.

Recommended Stories

list of 3 itemsend of list

Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen issued a warning that hybrid attacks were becoming more frequent after drones flew near some of its airports earlier this week.

Although Danish authorities are still conducting their inquiries, Frederiksen emphasized that Russia is currently the biggest threat to European security.

The Kremlin has denied being a part of the drone attacks in Denmark and Poland.

“Our airspace has been repeatedly violated,” he said. Russia is testing NATO and the EU, and the message is clear. Andrius Kubilius, the EU’s defense commissioner, addressed a virtual meeting of 10 nations on Europe’s eastern flank on Friday, arguing that their response must be firm, united, and immediate.

Kubilius, who described the meeting as a “milestone,” claimed a drone shield could take a year to build and that country envoys would soon work together to create a “detailed conceptual and technical roadmap” for the project’s development.

An “effective detection system” is his top priority, he claimed.

According to EU officials, a network of sensors will be developed to better identify drone intrusions in the first year. The longer-term goal is to develop drone interceptor capabilities.

NATO jets scrambled to shoot down drones with expensive missiles when they were discovered in Polish airspace earlier this month.

In addition to its ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine, which has found less expensive ways to down drones, also showed up at the EU talks on Friday.

According to Ukraine’s defense minister Denys Shmyhal on social media, “the drone wall will create a fundamentally new defence ecosystem in Europe, of which Ukraine is ready to be a part.”

We need to move quickly, Kubilius told the AFP news agency on Friday. And we need to move, bringing Ukraine’s experience to bear, and creating a drone wall with Ukraine.

A drone wall project had already been developed by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The European Commission rejected a joint request for funding from Estonia and Lithuania in March.

Following the recent drone attacks, the executive branch of the EU has changed its mind.

The EU Commission’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, demanded the creation of a drone wall earlier this month.

Von der Leyen has predicted that the EU will invest $6 billion (7 billion) to form a drone alliance with Ukraine.

‘Rare Gem In History,’ Tinubu Hails Ladoja On Coronation As Olubadan

By in News, Nigeria News

Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, was hailed as “a rare gem in history,” according to President Bola Tinubu at his coronation.

Tinubu praised the experience as an honor to witness, noting that Ladoja’s journey reflected perseverance and dependability.

On September 26, 2025, Governor Seyi Makinde gave Ladoja the staffing of office.

“Today is a wonderful day. The President said on Friday in Ibadan, “It’s a great honor to witness your coronation, to witness history.”

Read more about Ladoja’s appointment as 44th Olubadan here.

He praised the new Olubadan’s resilience in political struggles and recalled their shared history at the Senate and in his election as Oyo governor.

Tinubu prayed for the monarch’s long life and a place where he would stand as a renowned ruler of Nigeria’s history.

The former governor and senator was honored as the 44th Olubadan, according to Tinubu.

The President also made use of the occasion to provide insight into Nigeria’s economic state.

Tinubu declared, “Today I am honored and proud to share the cheering news that the economy has turned around.”

Tinubu also expressed his gratitude to Ibadan’s electorate for supporting the 2023 elections, calling his visit “a homecoming filled with joy and excitement.”

Colorful Coronation&nbsp ,

Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, crowned Ladoja on Friday, bringing cheers from Ibadan residents and guests.

Following his receipt of the Akoko leaf and crown, the ceremony took place in Ibadan South-East’s Ose Meji Temple and Labosinde Compound.

Dignitaries from all walks of life showed up at the vibrant event.

Former and current governors as well as traditional and religious leaders are included.

In attendance: governors and monarchs

Former and current governors as well as traditional and religious leaders are included.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Soun of Oyo, Oba Ghandi Laoye, and the Alaafin of Oyo, were among the notable guests.

Attended were former governors Rabiu Kwankwaso, Ibikunle Amosun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Donald Duke.

The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army were present to ensure a smooth ceremony.

O’Reilly signs new Man City deal & Savinho close on new terms

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images

Shamoon Hafez

Manchester City reporter
  • 77 Comments

Midfielder Nico O’Reilly has signed a new contract at Manchester City until 2030 and the club are close to agreeing a new long-term deal with winger Savinho.

City’s injury crisis last season allowed 20-year-old O’Reilly to break through into the first team, with the majority of his 21 appearances coming at the unfamiliar position of left-back.

He has featured in six of City’s game so far this season and the new deal has the option of being extended for a further years.

“This is a day I will never forget,” said O’Reilly. “I have been at City since the age of eight, and to have made it into the first team and have played matches is a dream come true. To be rewarded with a new contract really is special.

“I am really proud and so is my mum! She has sacrificed so much to get me to where I am today, so I am just as happy for her as I am for myself.

Savinho ‘will be a top player’ for City

Savinho, 21, joined from French side Troyes for £30.8m in 2024, playing 48 games in all competitions and scoring three goals.

During the summer, Tottenham had opened talks to sign Savinho, but City sources said they were not looking to sell the player.

The Brazil international has made four appearances this season, scoring in Wednesday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win at Huddersfield.

Speaking before City’s Premier League game against Burnley on Saturday, boss Pep Guardiola said Savinho will become an important player once he improves on his output.

“For the people up front, it is always about numbers – goals and assists,” he added. “Savinho created a lot last season but in the final third, the final moment he was a little bit too hectic.

“But the moment he learns that, because he is so young, the more he improves, he will be a top-class player because he can play on both sides, he has got the speed and the work ethic.

Related topics

  • Premier League
  • Manchester City
  • Football

Richard Hammond breaks silence on divorce and compares it to his near-fatal car crash

By in Entertainment News, News

Richard Hammond has spoken for the first time about his divorce after confirming he was splitting from wife Mindy after 23 years of marriage. The former Top Gear presenter, 55, spoke about his tough past 12 months, which saw the breakdown of his marriage as well as his latest TV show come to an end.

While he said “things change,” Richard went as far as comparing his marriage ending to his infamous car crash in 2006. The incident left him in a two-week coma and suffering brain injuries.

And Richard admitted the tough times have comparisons. He said: “Whatever happens to us, we can decide. Maybe not in the moment. I didn’t decide, as the car was going over at 320mph ‘I’m going to make this a good thing’, but there came a moment when I thought, ‘right, my reaction to this is going to be positive.”






Richard Hammond and his wife Mindy


Richard Hammond and his wife Mindy were together for 28 years and married for 23
(
PA)

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he went on: “That’s what you have to do. Well, it’s what I do.”

His words come eight months after the pair revealed their split. At the time, the pair released a joint statement.

It read: “Our marriage is coming to an end, but we’ve had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters… We will always be in each other’s lives and are proud of the family we created.”

In Richard’s new series, Richard Hammond’s Workshop, the star immediately addresses his break up. He tells viewers that a “slight change in my circumstances” mean he has moved.

“I like it. It’s got amazing views,” he said. “A place to keep some of my cars and bikes and best of all it’s closer to the workshop.

“I’m trying to put a silver lining on this. It’s been a tough few years, but it’s not all bad.”

He admitted to the publication that he still isn’t picturing himself in another relationship just yet. He admitted he has also been too busy filming to have given it a thought.

Richard and Mindy’s divorce came at a time when he also lost his dad to cancer at the age of 80. He died in October last year in a hospice.

The presenter didn’t make his dad Alan’s death public knowledge until after New Year. And he admits he sometimes still forgets his dad isn’t around.

“It’s the strangest thing,” he said. “Something will be happening and I will think, “I must go and tell Dad.” Then I realise, “Oh. I can’t.” My brothers feel the same thing.”






Mindy and Richard


Richard compared his tough 12 months to his car crash
(
WireImage,)

His comments echo what he had previously shared about how, although the grief of losing his father was immense, it often remained a subtle presence in daily life. Speaking on his podcast earlier this year, he said: “When it hits me is when I’m pottering about doing something often inconsequential, or thinking about something big, my brain has already formed the thought, ‘oh, I must tell dad’ and I only sort of get…

“You know when you’re turning a thought into language? So the thought is there, and then I form it into words so I can communicate to myself and to the world, and it gets as far as, ‘oh I must tell… oh,’ and it’s not a big crashing emotion, but it’s a definite sense, it’s a reminder, and that’s the brain doing what you just described.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.