Teams that finish second in UEFA World Cup qualifying groups face an arduous route to Qatar and Sweden took the early advantage.

Alfredo Relaño reflects on Real Madrid's recent transfer policy in the wake of Los Blancos' shock Copa del Rey defeat to third-tier club Alcoyano.

Those happy days when Madrid’s second string, which gave Zidane the chance to rotate his team in key moments, seem long behind us, writes Alfredo Relaño.

Luis Enrique's Spain brought out their A-game when it was needed, sweeping aside Germany, a team that had not lost in over a year.