Champions League

Real Madrid were beaten in extra-time 2-1 by third-tier side Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey. Alfredo Relaño analyses the game and the fall-out.

Five years ago Zinedine Zidane came to Florentino Pérez’s rescue, putting the house in order and winning that season’s Champions League, and the two that followed.

The FA handed the Atlético defender a 10-week ban for a betting infringement, at a time when England have no games and Chelsea await in Europe.

The proposal promoted by the ECA and richest clubs on the continent will undermine domestic leagues but that isn't the only objection that this initiative throws up.

Zidane capped a happy week as his team sealed a comfortable victory over Atlético, one which allowed them to reduce the distance at the top of the table, writes Alfredo Relaño.