While Al Nassr are currently riding a 16-game winning streak, Ronaldo has been on the pitch for 12 of those consecutive victories. This matches his personal record of 12 straight league wins set with Real Madrid during the 2014-15 season, according to data from Transfermarkt.

Ronaldo will have the chance to set a new personal best when Al Nassr face fourth-place Al Qadsiyiah on Sunday, May 3. A win in this crucial fixture, combined with favorable results in Al Hilal’s and Al Ahli’s games, could virtually seal the Saudi Pro League title for Cristiano and company.

A multi-title pursuit

Al Nassr are enjoying a dominant campaign that could see Ronaldo claim his first major trophies since arriving in Saudi Arabia. However, the club’s success isn’t limited to domestic play.

They have also reached the final of the AFC Champions League Two, where Al Nassr are scheduled to face Japan’s Gamba Osaka for the continental trophy on Saturday, May 16.

The race to 1,000 goals and the Golden Boot

On an individual level, Ronaldo continues to defy age. His strike against Al Ahli was the 970th goal of his career, leaving him just 30 goals shy of becoming the first player in soccer history to reach the legendary 1,000-goal milestone.

Despite his prolific form, the race for the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot remains a steep climb. Ronaldo currently has 25 goals this season, trailing both Ivan Toney (27 goals) and Julian Quiñones (28 goals) with only four games left on the schedule.

According to reports from David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Mourinho is the preferred choice of President Florentino Perez. While the Portuguese tactician is currently under contract with Benfica, a specific release clause—reportedly around €3m—makes him a low-risk economic gamble for Madrid.

While Ornstein and Cortegana noted that Perez’s decision does not have unanimous support within the club—contrasting with the previous pursuit of Xabi Alonso, which was led by General Manager Jose Angel Sanchez— the club president is taking personal charge of this selection process.

Mourinho’s performance since leaving Real Madrid

Since departing Real Madrid in 2013, Mourinho has managed several of Europe’s most prominent clubs:

• 2013–2015: Chelsea
• 2016–2018: Manchester United
• 2019–2021: Tottenham Hotspur
• 2021–2024: Roma
• 2024–2025: Fenerbahce
• 2025–Present: Benfica

In terms of silverware, since his exit from the Spanish giants, he has secured the following trophies:

With Chelsea:

• Premier League: 2014–15
• League Cup: 2014–15

With Manchester United:

• League Cup: 2016–17
• FA Community Shield: 2016
• UEFA Europa League: 2016–17

With Roma

• UEFA Conference League: 2021–22

Other options for Real Madrid

While Mourinho is reportedly Florentino Perez’s top choice, there are other managers on Real Madrid’s radar. One of them is Lionel Scaloni, whose contract expiration with Argentina has opened the door for speculation about a move to the Spanish capital following the 2026 World Cup.

He isn’t the only Argentine on the shortlist, as reports have also linked Mauricio Pochettino as a potential candidate. The current USMNT head coach is under contract through the end of the next World Cup, but he hasn’t ruled out a return to the club level.

Jurgen Klopp’s name has also surfaced, though reports suggest his need for long-term project-building is seen as a potential obstacle. Finally, Didier Deschamps has been mentioned, as he is set to leave the French National Team after the 2026 World Cup; however, L’Équipe reports that his camp denies any rumors linking him to Real Madrid.

According to a report attributed to El Partidazo de COPE, the club has already made direct contact with the current Argentina head coach to explore a possible future arrival. And something that could work in his favor is that Scaloni already lives in Spain since his retirement as a player, where he built his family. He currently lives with his wife and children in El Toro.

The information points out that the Madrid president is reviewing different alternatives for the head coach position, and Scaloni’s name has entered that list due to the weight of his work with Argentina. But there is something that could change the course, and it’s his contract.

Scaloni’s camp position

There is also the other side of the story, according to the Argentine outlet TYC Sports. Despite the mention that he was supposedly already in talks with the club, from Scaloni’s camp, they strongly deny having made contact with the board of the institution led by Florentino Perez.

There is also the factor of Scaloni’s contract. The president of AFA, Tapia, offered to extend his deal, and the coach himself showed his intention to continue, but for now, there have been no talks about numbers or length. The most likely scenario is that there will be advanced talks after the 2026 World Cup. It is worth noting that his contract runs until mid this year, that is, until the end of the World Cup.

Does Scaloni want to coach a club?

In June 2025, Scaloni himself acknowledged receiving offers, but he is still not convinced about having his first experience in charge of a club. “I am not convinced about coaching a club, I would like to, but I do not know in the short term. All those messages, you have to see if they are true, that is why I do not answer and let them pass,” he said.

In that sense, Scaloni left the door open to what could happen once the 2026 World Cup is over, the last tournament in his current contract with the national team:

“After the World Cup we will see. My focus is on the national team. The world of soccer is complicated and sometimes it is not good to get into those things. In my case I know that I am here until the World Cup. There are many people around offering you things… from there to it being true. It is not convenient because it distracts you,” the 47-year-old made clear.

“Eder Militao will have to undergo surgery for his new injury in the hamstrings of his left leg,” journalist Miguel Angel Diaz of COPE reported. “The Brazilian reopened the scar from the initial injury that occurred in December against Celta. Unfortunately, he will miss the World Cup,” he added.

Eder Militao raised concerns in Real Madrid and in Brazil last Tuesday, in the match against Deportivo Alaves. The 28-year-old center back was substituted before halftime with visible signs of pain in the same area that, as Diaz reported, had already been injured some time ago.

The original injury of Eder Militao

To understand what happened with Eder Militao, we have to go back to early December 2025. On December 7, to be precise, Real Madrid faced Celta de Vigo on Matchday 15 of LALIGA. In that match, Militao felt discomfort and was substituted in the 25th minute of the first half.

Hours later, Real Madrid reported a “tear in the biceps femoris of the left leg with involvement of the proximal tendon,” a diagnosis that projected a recovery time of no less than four months. Militao took the necessary time before returning, but he suffered another injury in that same area and will no longer be able to avoid surgery.

Ancelotti keeps losing players

Eder Militao is the most recent absence in a concerning list and reality for Brazil. Rodrygo and Willian Estevao, two players who also had their spots secured among the 26, suffered injuries that will keep them out of the World Cup.

On May 11, Ancelotti will have to present a preliminary list of 55 players, where it is almost certain that we will not see the defender, while May 30 will be the day when the 26 names going to the World Cup are officially announced.

With only 48 days remaining until the 2026 World Cup, the French forward asked to be replaced in the 81st minute with an apparent injury. Following the substitution, Mbappe bypassed the bench and headed directly to the locker room.

Initial reports from Spain suggest a minor muscular discomfort, but the club will wait for comprehensive medical scans on Saturday to ensure the star’s physical status hasn’t taken a major hit.

Mounting injury crisis for Real Madrid

If a significant injury to Mbappe is confirmed, it would present a massive tactical challenge for manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who is already navigating a squad decimated by absences.

The French star would join an infirmary that has been crowded for months, starting with long-term casualties Thibaut Courtois, currently recovering from a tear, and Rodrygo, who remains out after suffering an ACL rupture in his right knee earlier this season.

The defensive unit is also under severe strain following the loss of Eder Militao. The Brazilian center-back had recently returned from a lengthy layoff only to suffer a femoral biceps injury in his left leg during the victory over Alaves. This latest setback has officially ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Similarly, Arda Guler has seen his season come to a premature end due to an identical hamstring injury, leaving Arbeloa with dwindling options as the season reaches its climax.

Real Madrid’s title hopes fading

The draw against Real Betis was a critical juncture for Real Madrid to keep their championship aspirations alive. However, after conceding a late equalizer in the final minute, Los Blancos have suffered a major setback, leaving Barcelona as the overwhelming favorite to secure the LaLiga crown.

Following the latest results, Barcelona currently hold an eight-point lead over Real Madrid with a game in hand. Should Hansi Flick’s men defeat Getafe on Saturday, April 25, they will widen the gap to 11 points with only five matches remaining in the schedule—a margin that would effectively seal the title race.

Real Madrid drew the match against Real Betis 1-1 with a last-minute goal from Hector Bellerin. Madrid took the lead thanks to a goal from Vinicius Jr in the first half, but they did not manage to hold it. They now sit 8 points behind Barcelona. But the side managed by Hansi Flick still have their Matchday 32 game pending, which could extend its lead at the top to 11 points.

Barcelona will have their key match against Getafe on Saturday, April 25, as visitors at the Coliseum Stadium at 10:15 AM ET, where it will be a game that could define Real Madrid’s chances of catching them.

Here’s how things stand in the 2025-26 LaLiga after today’s game:

Real Madrid’s schedule: What’s next for them in the LaLiga?

After the draw against Betis, the side managed by Arbeloa and Mbappe has only 5 matches left to play, which equals 15 points available, and one of those matches is the Clásico against Barcelona. These are the 5 remaining games in the 2025-26 LaLiga for Real Madrid:

• Espanyol (away), May 3
• Barcelona (away), May 10
• Real Oviedo (home), May 14
• Sevilla (away), TBD
• Athletic Club (home), TBD

Barcelona’s remaining LaLiga fixtures

The result is more than favorable for Barcelona, who also have less pressure after being out of the Champions League and are fully focused on the LaLiga race, and as an advantage, they have one more match than Real Madrid. These are the 6 remaining matches for the side managed by Hansi Flick:

• Getafe (away), April 25
• Osasuna (away), May 2
• Real Madrid (home), May 10
• Alaves (away), May 13
• Real Betis (home), TBD
• Valencia (away), TBD

Recent reports confirm the Belgian goalkeeper is still in the final stage of his rehabilitation process after suffering a rectus femoris tear earlier in the season, keeping him out of key fixtures during the run-in.

With him still not fully match-fit, Madrid have relied on Andriy Lunin in goal throughout this stretch of the campaign, with the coaching staff opting for caution to avoid any setback ahead of the decisive weeks of the season.

How did Thibaut Courtois get injured?

Thibaut Courtois suffered a right quadriceps muscle tear during a Real Madrid training session in March 2026, forcing him to miss a key stretch of the season. The injury was later diagnosed as a rectus femoris strain, a crucial muscle in the thigh that is heavily involved in explosive movements and goalkeeping reactions.

The problem appeared during routine preparation ahead of a demanding schedule that included LaLiga and Champions League fixtures. Medical staff immediately stopped his workload after he reported discomfort, and further tests confirmed a more serious muscular issue than initially expected.

When will Thibaut Courtois return to play?

Thibaut Courtois is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks, meaning his return depends on how quickly he completes his rehabilitation process with Real Madrid’s medical staff.

He is currently in the final phase of recovery, which includes progressive training, light on-field work, and final medical clearance tests before rejoining full competition. His evolution has been positive so far.

His return is being carefully managed due to his importance in the final stretch of the 2025–26 season, where Real Madrid are competing in both LaLiga and European knockout stages.

Thibaut Courtois’ achievements at Real Madrid

• UEFA Champions League winner (2021–22): Courtois was the standout player in the final against Liverpool, producing a record-breaking 9 saves and earning the official Man of the Match award as Real Madrid lifted their 14th European Cup. His performance is widely considered one of the greatest goalkeeping displays in a Champions League final.

• LaLiga champion (multiple seasons): He has been a key figure in domestic success, helping Real Madrid secure LaLiga titles with consistent shot-stopping and leadership from the backline. His performances in the 2020–21 and 2021–22 campaigns were especially crucial in tight title races.

• Four major trophies in 2022 (historic season): Courtois played a decisive role in a dominant year for Madrid, winning the Champions League, LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Super Cup in the same calendar year. That season also cemented his status as the world’s best goalkeeper, earning the Yashin Trophy.

• Yashin Trophy winner (2022): Recognized by France Football as the best goalkeeper in the world, Courtois received the award after a season where he consistently delivered in high-pressure knockout matches.

• 200+ appearances milestone for Real Madrid: Reaching the landmark in just a few seasons, Courtois became one of the club’s most reliable long-term goalkeeping figures in modern history.

• Elite consistency in big games: Beyond trophies, his legacy is defined by decisive saves in Champions League knockout rounds, often stepping up when Madrid were under pressure and turning matches with single moments of brilliance.

[Watch Real Betis vs Real Madrid live in the USA on Fubo]

It’s crunch time for Real Madrid, who remain mathematically in the title hunt but are running out of runway as they try to chip away at a sizable gap behind Barcelona. Fresh off a convincing win over Deportivo Alaves, Los Blancos aim to build momentum.

Though this matchup presents a tougher test with Kylian Mbappe leading the charge against a highly motivated Real Betis side, who sit on 49 points and are still battling to lock in a UEFA Europa League berth with Celta Vigo closing in.

When will the Real Betis vs Real Madrid match be played?

Real Betis and Real Madrid face each other on Friday, April 24, for the Matchday 32 of the 2025-2026 La Liga. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 PM (ET).

Real Betis vs Real Madrid: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

How to watch Real Betis vs Real Madrid in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025/2026 La Liga clash between Real Betis and Real Madrid in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo. Other options: ESPN+, DirecTV Stream and ESPN Deportes.

“This injury sidelined me at the moment I wanted to be out there the most, and it hurts more than I can explain,” Yamal wrote. “It hurts not being able to fight alongside my teammates and help when the team needs me most. But I believe in this group, and I know they’re going to give their all in every match.”

While this marks Yamal’s first significant ailment of the calendar year, it is his third injury setback of the current campaign. A cloud of uncertainty now hangs over Yamal’s status for the upcoming World Cup; while the club expressed optimism regarding his availability, his participation hinges entirely on how his recovery progresses over the next several weeks.

Yamal pledges support from the sidelines

Despite the season-ending diagnosis, Yamal emphasized that he remains fully committed to his teammates as Barcelona push for the league title with Real Madrid behind them in the standings.

“I’ll be there, even if it’s from the outside, supporting, cheering, and pushing like one of the fans,” Yamal wrote in a statement to the supporters. “This isn’t the end; it’s just a pause. I’ll come back stronger, with more hunger than ever, and next season will be even better. Thank you for the messages and Visca el Barca.”

The Barcelona games Yamal will miss

With only six matches remaining in the LaLiga campaign, the loss of the teenage phenom comes at the worst possible time. Barcelona currently trail Real Madrid by nine points, and the hill just got steeper; most notably, Yamal will be unavailable for the season-defining El Clasico on May 10.

Here is the remaining schedule for Barcelona as they navigate the season’s final month without their star winger:

• April 25: at Getafe
• May 2: at Osasuna
• May 10: vs. Real Madrid (El Clasico)
• May 13: at Alaves
• May 17: vs. Real Betis
• May 24: at Valencia

He suffered a rectus femoris tear during a Champions League match in March, an issue that has ruled him out for multiple key fixtures across LaLiga and Europe. So, Quique Sanchez Flores’ side face Madrid without their first-choice keeper.

In his absence, Alvaro Arbeloa’s team have leaned on Andriy Lunin, who has already stepped into high-pressure matches throughout the season and is expected to start once again at Mendizorroza.

When and how did Thibaut Courtois get injured?

Thibaut Courtois suffered his latest injury in March 2026 during preparation for a Champions League match with Real Madrid, forcing him off the pitch and immediately into recovery.

According to official medical reports, the goalkeeper picked up a muscular injury in the rectus femoris of his right quadriceps after feeling discomfort in the build-up to the game against Manchester City.

The injury occurred during a demanding phase of the season in which the club was competing across multiple fronts, and the Belgian goalkeeper was forced to leave the action after feeling discomfort in the area.

Medical staff quickly confirmed that it was not a minor overload but a significant muscular tear, requiring an extended recovery period rather than a short-term absence.

Reports from Spain also indicated that his setback may be linked to accumulated physical stress after months of high-intensity workload, with the club opting for a cautious rehabilitation plan to avoid aggravating the injury further.

When will Thibaut Courtois return to play?

Thibaut Courtois is expected to return in approximately six weeks from the time of his injury, with a potential comeback targeted for late April or early May 2026 depending on his recovery progress.

Club sources have consistently framed his timeline as “around a month and a half” out of action. Early projections suggest the Belgian goalkeeper could rejoin the squad for the final stretch of the LaLiga season.

In some optimistic scenarios, he could even be in contention for decisive late-season fixtures if there are no setbacks during recovery. For now, Real Madrid’s medical staff are prioritizing a full recovery over rushing him back.

How many matches has Thibaut Courtois missed?

Courtois has missed at least key matches during his current injury spell in March–April 2026. He has been ruled out for approximately 6 weeks and during this period, he has already missed:

• LaLiga: Atletico Madrid, Mallorca, Girona, Alaves, Real Betis
• UEFA Champions League: both quarter-final legs vs Bayern Munich

This puts his confirmed absences at major competitive matches, with projections from injury timelines suggesting the total could rise to 7–8 or more fixtures depending on recovery and potential additional league games during April.

[Watch Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves live in the USA on Fubo]

The title race took another hit for Real Madrid after a draw with Girona, combined with Barcelona securing a win over Espanyol, leaving Los Blancos staring at a daunting nine-point deficit with the season winding down.

With Kylian Mbappe leading the charge, Madrid is expected to push until the final whistle of the campaign, starting with a crucial matchup against Deportivo Alaves—a side desperate for points as they fight to stay clear of relegation, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash.

When will the Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves match be played?

Real Madrid receive Deportivo Alaves on Tuesday, April 21, for the Matchday 33 of the 2025-2026 La Liga. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 PM (ET).

Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

How to watch Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025/2026 La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Deportivo Alaves in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo (direct link to the game here). Other options: ESPN+, DirecTV Stream and ESPN Deportes.