Spain are still favourites to finish top of Group E above Sweden, Poland and Slovakia but, after struggling to break down conservative sides such as Georgia and Greece in March, they know coming first will not be a procession.
'It wasn't easy, but I called him last night (Sunday) and we had a difficult and tough conversation. I feel bad as he's a player who has always been at the top level and has a future with the national team.'
FIFA launched proceedings against the players who angrily harangued the referee after crashing out of the tournament in Qatar, despite beating Ghana 2-0 in their final group match on December 2.
Barcelona dropped points for the third time in four league games as they were held 0-0 by local rivals Espanyol in a heated Catalan derby. Atletico Madrid moved two points clear of Barca at the top of the table, having played a game more, thanks to substitute Thomas Partey's late winner to edge past Levante 1-0. Real Madrid now trail Atletico by five points ahead of their trip to Valencia on Sunday.
On the occasion of International Women's Day, women from all over the world are taking out marches to call for change. Interestingly, this year the theme is #pressforprogress. Here are images from across the globe.
The tournament debutants held their own against a highly rated Belgian side in the first half in Sochi before a stunning volley from Dries Mertens and a Romelu Lukaku brace after the break helped the Europeans climb to the top of Group G.
The 21-year-old is the latest youngster to join Atletico who have also brought in Argentine forward Luciano Vietto from Villarreal since the end of last season.
The new president of the Spanish tennis federation (RFET) has fired the nation's first female Davis Cup captain, Gala Leon, two weeks before the Group I second-round tie away to Russia.
The local government, meanwhile, is deploying more than 200 national police officers to prevent crowds assembling, with mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida also asking people to stay away.
Hurricane Florence reaches the Carolinas, America pays tribute to 9/11 victims, Russia's Putin meets China's Xi Jinping and much more...
Images from the English Premier League matches played on Saturday, April 13.
Antoine Griezmann and Samuel Lino scored in each half to give Atletico Madrid a 2-0 win over Lazio on Wednesday that secured them top spot in Champions League Group E, the first time since 2016 that they had reached the knockouts as group winners.
The Association of Democratic Reforms said Goa has set a unique record, which is "unparalleled" in the history of Indian democracy.
Roundup of the Champions League matches played on Wednesday night
Spain and Portugal played out an entertaining 0-0 draw on Friday as both sides prepared for this month's European Championship.
Images from matches played across top football leagues in Europe.
Love is in the air this spring, even with the coronavirus pandemic. Countless weddings have been postponed, but people are still getting married; although with adjustments to accommodate social distancing and other restrictions. Here are some ways couples are exchanging their wedding vows.
Griezmann goal earns Atletico first win of season
Real Madrid on top because of performances, not referees, says coach Zidane.
A superb strike from Jose Luis Morales condemned Real Madrid to a 1-0 defeat away to Levante on Saturday which saw them unseated at the top of the La Liga standings by Barcelona. Real's problems deepened with a suspected ankle injury to Eden Hazard, who limped off the pitch four days before their Champions League showdown with Manchester City and a week before their showdown with Barca in the 'Clasico'. Real's problems deepened with a suspected ankle injury to Eden Hazard, who limped off the pitch four days before their Champions League showdown with Manchester City and a week before their showdown with Barca in the 'Clasico'.
Marseille cement second place with Montpellier win
Giampaolo Pazzini struck an 89th-minute equaliser on his Levante debut to earn his side a deserved 2-2 draw against struggling giants Real Madrid on Saturday.
Manchester United climb into sixth place with 3-0 West Ham win
We live in a wonderfully, weird world and here's the proof of it!
What makes this edition of the contest important were a few more events that happened for the first time at Miss Universe.
Levante were relegated from La Liga after a six-season stay in the Spanish top flight as two late goals condemned them to a 3-1 defeat at Malaga on Monday.
IMAGES from the Europa League matches played on Thursday.
A bullet header from Nicolas Otamendi put Valencia on course for a 3-1 victory over Eibar in La Liga on Sunday that boosted their hopes of claiming a Champions League place.
Alvaro Morata scored a brace to help Atletico Madrid deliver a statement performance as they outclassed city rivals Real Madrid.
Bukayo Saka scored either side of halftime as Arsenal crushed second-bottom Burnley 5-0.
The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers are still digging out people trapped beneath mounds of rubble.
A round-up of our favourite photographs from the week gone by.
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Group H match played between Uruguay and South Korea at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on Thursday
A steady demand environment, prudent debt management and faster absorption of office space gave them an edge over others.
Erik ten Hag will succeed interim boss Ralf Rangnick from next seaso
'There is not the slightest hint of crime'
Monday's moon is the brightest moon in almost 69 years.
Gijon spoiled Asier Illarramendi's return to Real Sociedad's midfield after rejoining from Real Madrid this week when they held the Basque club, coached by Scot David Moyes, to a 0-0 draw in San Sebastian.
The researchers noted that transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2 are much higher indoors than outdoors, and transmission is greatly reduced by indoor ventilation.
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