The technical staff of Al-Ahli's first football team, led by German coach Matthias Jäissle, received good and motivating news during the training session held on Wednesday evening, which was the complete readiness of the brilliant Brazilian winger Galeno, as part of the intensive preparations to face Al-Shabab Club in the Saudi Professional League competitions.

The player participated actively in training, confirming his full recovery and readiness for the upcoming match. Coach Matthias Jäissle had made the wise precautionary decision to rest Galeño and not risk him during the match against Al Wahda of the UAE, which took place last Monday as part of the seventh round of the AFC Champions League, after he sustained a minor injury during the main training session prior to that continental encounter. Jäissle preferred to have him fully prepared for important domestic fixtures.

The return of Galeno is of paramount importance to Al-Ahli's attack, as he is considered one of the key players upon whom coach Yassla relies to build attacks and exploit spaces, especially in big matches that demand individual brilliance and rapid attacking transitions. This return comes at an ideal time, just before a highly anticipated "classic" match between the two storied teams. Al-Ahli is scheduled to be the visiting team against Al-Shabab at 4:55 PM next Friday, in the 22nd round of the league.

In terms of the league standings, Al-Ahli enters this match aiming to solidify its position at the top of the table. Currently in third place with 47 points, the team seeks to continue accumulating points to secure a spot in next season's continental competitions and compete for a runner-up position. Meanwhile, Al-Shabab is experiencing a difficult season, a far cry from its illustrious history. Currently in thirteenth place with 19 points, this match represents a lifeline for them as they attempt to improve their position and distance themselves from the relegation zone.

Matches between Al-Ahli and Al-Shabab always carry a special character of rivalry and excitement, regardless of the points difference or current positions in the standings. This match is considered one of the highlights of Saudi football, attracting a wide audience. Al-Ahli aims to capitalize on their good morale and technical stability to deepen Al-Shabab's woes, while Al-Shabab hopes to use home advantage and the support of their fans to pull off an upset and get back on track in the league competition.

One of the most controversial issues in the history of modern football has finally come to an end, as Real Madrid, the last bastion of the breakaway "European Super League" project, and UEFA announced on Wednesday that they had reached a comprehensive agreement aimed at settling all outstanding legal disputes between them.

This announcement brought an end to years of tension, as Real Madrid, led by its president Florentino Perez and supported by the project's promoter, A22 Sports Management, had been demanding huge compensation of up to $4 billion from the European Union, alleging monopoly and abuse of power after the project's collapse.

Details of the agreement and joint statement

In a joint statement with significant implications for the future of the game, Real Madrid, UEFA, and the European Club Association (ECA) – the independent body representing the clubs – confirmed they had reached an agreement that serves "the best interests of European club football." The statement explained that this preliminary agreement will pave the way for resolving all legal disputes related to the European Super League once the agreed-upon principles come into effect, effectively ending the legal battles in European courts.

Real Madrid's isolation and Barcelona's withdrawal

This agreement was not a coincidence, but rather the result of rapid changes in the football landscape, most notably FC Barcelona's official announcement last Saturday of its withdrawal from the Super League project. The Catalan club had been Real Madrid's main partner in this project, but its president, Joan Laporta, had hinted since last October at the club's desire to "reconnect" with UEFA, preferring to distance itself from a project that had lost both popular and institutional support, leaving Real Madrid alone to face the governing body of European football.

Historical background: April 2021 earthquake

The roots of this crisis can be traced back to April 2021, when 12 of Europe's top clubs (including six from England, three from Spain, and three from Italy) announced the launch of a closed competition called the "European Super League" to rival the Champions League. This announcement sent shockwaves through the sporting and political spheres, as the project faced fierce opposition from fans, governments, and local and international federations (FIFA and UEFA). Under immense pressure, nine clubs withdrew within just 48 hours, followed later by Juventus, leaving only the two Spanish giants before Barcelona's recent withdrawal.

Impact of the agreement on the future of European football

This agreement is a victory for the European model of open sport based on sporting merit, and a reaffirmation of UEFA's role as the continent's leading regulator of the game. Although the Madrid Court of Appeal had previously ruled that UEFA had "abused its power" by attempting to block competition, the current settlement ensures the stability of European competitions, particularly with the launch of the new Champions League format and the reunification of clubs under the umbrella of the European Club Association.

The coaching staff and fans of Al-Hilal breathed a sigh of relief after it was officially confirmed that Moroccan international goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is fit to return to the team's goal for the upcoming match against Al-Ettifaq. Al-Hilal is preparing to host Al-Ettifaq in a thrilling encounter as part of the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League, at the Kingdom Arena, the new home ground of the Riyadh-based club.

Bono's participation was confirmed after his full recovery from a recent shoulder injury, which was the main reason for his absence from the last continental match. The Moroccan goalkeeper underwent an intensive treatment and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the club's medical staff to ensure his timely return for crucial domestic league matches. Recent medical tests have confirmed his ability to participate in group training and official matches without any concerns.

The injury had forced Bono to miss Al Hilal's previous match against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai of the UAE, in the AFC Champions League, a match held at Al Nahyan Stadium. During that game, the coaching staff relied on goalkeeper Mathieu Poté to defend the team's goal, and he performed admirably in the absence of the first-choice goalkeeper.

The return of Yassine Bounou is of paramount importance to coach Jorge Jesus's squad, given the significant technical value the Moroccan goalkeeper brings to Al-Hilal's defensive system. Bounou is considered one of the team's key players this season, as his crucial saves and extensive international experience have contributed to keeping a clean sheet in many difficult matches, thus reinforcing Al-Hilal's position as the strongest defense in the competition.

Al-Hilal enters the match against Al-Ettifaq with its sights set on nothing less than three points, aiming to continue its winning streak and solidify its position at the top of the Saudi Professional League standings. The league leaders seek to widen the gap with their closest rivals and take another step closer to securing the title, capitalizing on home advantage and the support of their fans at the Kingdom Arena, which has become an additional strength for the team thanks to its large and enthusiastic crowds.

This match comes at an important time in the competition, as the competition intensifies in the final stretch, making the presence of key players and big stars like Yassine Bounou an urgent necessity to ensure technical stability and continue local dominance, especially against a stubborn opponent like Al-Ettifaq, which has its own ambitions to improve its position in the standings.