Sports

Mbappe: Real Madrid deserve to suffer in the Champions League

Kylian Mbappé acknowledges Real Madrid's decline after their loss to Benfica, but insists the team deserves to be in the European playoffs. Learn about the implications of this defeat.

Published

2 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

French star Kylian Mbappe, the striker for Real Madrid, admitted that his team did not deliver the consistent and stable performance that would qualify them to secure a direct place in the round of 16 of the Champions League, considering that the team deserved the difficult situation it found itself in after failing to occupy one of the top eight places in the unified group stage.

The fall of Lisbon and the repercussions of the new regime

These strong statements came in the wake of Real Madrid's shock 4-2 defeat to Benfica, a match in which the Portuguese side was managed by former Real Madrid coach José Mourinho. This loss dropped the record 15-time champions to ninth place in the standings, forcing them into a playoff to qualify for the round of 16. This challenge is part of the new tournament format, which features a single group of 36 teams. The top eight teams qualify directly, while the teams finishing 9th to 24th compete in a playoff to determine the remaining eight qualifiers.

Acknowledgment of shortcomings and lack of continuity

Despite a previous winning streak under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa, which included victories over Levante, Monaco, and Villarreal, the team was brought back down to earth in Lisbon. Mbappé commented on this inconsistency, saying, “The problem is our lack of consistency; we have to address this. We can’t play well one day and badly the next; a champion team doesn’t do that.” He added bitterly, “We deserve to be in this position today. Benfica were better, and now we have two more playoff matches. It’s painful to have to play these two games; we wanted to use February to work on improving our performance.”.

A deeper analysis of the reasons for the decline

The French star, who scored both of his team's goals in the match, attempted to diagnose the problem more broadly, emphasizing that it wasn't simply a crisis of confidence or a technical error. He said, "I think it's a combination of several factors. I can't say it's just a mental issue, because if I did, you'd think we came here without any desire." He continued, explaining, "If I told you it was a footballing problem, you'd think the team was bad. No, I think it's a broader issue, and in the Champions League, every detail matters if you want to beat your opponent... This shows you that if you don't go into the match with everything necessary to win, the opponent will come and, as they say, humiliate you.".

A call to the Bernabéu fans

In closing, Mbappé addressed Real Madrid fans directly, urging them to support the team in their upcoming La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu, instead of booing them. He pleaded with the fans, saying, “Come and cheer on the team. We played badly, but we haven’t been eliminated from the Champions League, and we’re in a good position in La Liga right now.” He concluded optimistically, “If the Bernabéu is on our side, we’ll win on Sunday.”.

Sports

Today's matches (Friday) in the Saudi and European leagues

Find out the schedule and times of the most important matches on Friday, January 30, 2026, and coverage of the Al-Nasr and Al-Kholoud matches in the Roshan League, and matches of the major European leagues.

Published

2 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Football fans will be glued to their screens this Friday, January 30, 2026, as a series of exciting and competitive matches unfold across Saudi Arabia and Europe. The day features crucial encounters in the Saudi Professional League, which continues to attract global attention, as well as equally important fixtures in the German, Italian, and French leagues, guaranteeing a thrilling evening of football for fans of the beautiful game.

Saudi Roshan League: A battle for every point

The Saudi Professional League (SPL) is witnessing fierce competition in every round, having become one of the most prominent leagues in the region and Asia thanks to attracting international stars and its high level of competitiveness. Matches are no longer just about the title race; they have become intense tactical battles in the middle of the standings and the relegation zone. Every point becomes increasingly important as the season progresses, and today's matches clearly reflect this reality.

Saudi football fans eagerly await the match between Al-Kholoud and Al-Nassr, scheduled for 8:30 PM. Al-Nassr, one of the giants of Saudi football, enters every match with the sole aim of securing a victory to compete strongly for the top spot in the standings, while Al-Kholoud seeks a positive result against a tough opponent. In another match, Neom Damac at 6:50 PM, a crucial encounter for both teams as they look to improve their positions in the league table. Additionally, Al-Taawoun faces Al -Akhdoud at 4:50 PM in an early match promising a highly competitive encounter.

A European evening with different flavors

The excitement is not limited to Saudi stadiums, but extends to the Old Continent, where important matches are being held in three of the biggest European leagues.

In the German Bundesliga Cologne Wolfsburg , high-scoring affair, with both teams vying for three points to bolster their European ambitions or distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Italian League: All eyes turn to Italy, where Lazio face Genoa at 10:45 PM. Serie A is known for its tactical discipline, and this match will be a true test of both teams' ability to impose their style, especially for Lazio, who often compete for top positions.
French League: At the same time (10:45 PM), the French League will witness a match between Lens and Le Havre . The French League is considered a goldmine of footballing talent, and its matches are characterized by physicality and speed, making this encounter crucial in the context of competing for European places or securing survival in the top flight.

Today's match schedule, Friday, January 30, 2026:

Saudi Roshan League

Al-Taawon vs. Al-Akhdoud – 4:50 PM
Neom vs. Damac – 6:50 PM
Eternity vs. Victory – 8:30 PM

German League

Cologne vs. Wolfsburg – 10:30 PM

Italian League

Lazio vs. Genoa – 10:45 PM

French League

Lens vs. Le Havre – 10:45 PM

Sports

Al-Ahli regains two defenders ahead of their match against Al-Hilal in the Roshan League

Al-Ahli club will regain the services of its players Zakaria Hawsawi and Ali Majrashi in its anticipated match against Al-Hilal within the Saudi Professional League competitions.

Published

2 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Al-Ahli Saudi FC is preparing for one of its most important matches of the season, receiving a significant morale and tactical boost ahead of its clash with arch-rival Al-Hilal in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. This boost comes in the form of the return of key defensive duo Zakaria Hawsawi and Ali Majrashi, following the completion of their suspensions due to accumulated yellow cards.

Historical background and importance of El Clásico

The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Hilal match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," is one of the oldest and most intense fixtures in Saudi football history. The rivalry between these two giants spans decades, and their encounters have always been fiercely contested and thrilling, both in domestic and continental competitions. This match holds particular significance this season, as Al-Hilal seeks to solidify its lead in the standings and extend its winning streak, while Al-Ahli, making a strong return to the Pro League, aims to prove its worth as a genuine contender for the top spots and close the gap with the leading teams.

The impact of Hawsawi and Majrashi's return

Al-Ahli suffered in their previous match against Al-Ettifaq due to the absence of full-backs Housawi and Majrashi. Despite securing a resounding 4-0 victory, their return represents a vital boost for German coach Matthias Jäissle's squad. Both players are known for their solid defensive capabilities and effective attacking contributions on the flanks, which will provide the team with greater balance against Al-Hilal's potent attack. The duo are expected to return directly to the starting lineup for the match at the Kingdom Arena, giving the coach more tactical options to manage this challenging encounter.

Expected impact at the local and regional levels

The impact of this match extends far beyond the local level, reaching a regional scale. With the Saudi Professional League attracting international stars, its major matches, such as this classic encounter, have become the focus of millions of viewers across the Middle East and the world. The result will not only influence the league title race but will also reflect the high level of competitiveness that Saudi football has reached. An Al-Ahli victory would reignite the title race, while an Al-Hilal win would confirm their absolute dominance this season, cementing the league's position as one of the strongest in Asia.

Sports

Al-Nasr's absences against Al-Kholoud: The team's challenges in the Roshan League

Al-Nasr faces a significant challenge in their match against Al-Kholoud in the Roshan League, given the absence of key players such as Brozovic and Ayman Yahya. How will the team cope with these circumstances?

Published

2 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Al-Nassr faces a crucial match against Al-Kholoud in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League, but they are hampered by a number of key absences that could affect their plans to secure a victory and maintain pressure on league leaders Al-Hilal. This match comes amidst an exceptional Saudi league season, which has garnered global attention thanks to the presence of international stars, intensifying the competition and making every point precious in the long race for the title.

Background of the competition and importance of the match

The Saudi Professional League is experiencing one of its most competitive seasons, with the battle for the top spot raging between the traditional powerhouses. Al-Nassr, led by their global star Cristiano Ronaldo, find themselves in a constant pursuit of their arch-rivals Al-Hilal. In this context, matches against teams in the middle or lower ranks, such as Al-Kholoud, are a true test of the team's ability to maintain focus and secure maximum points. Any slip-up in such encounters could widen the gap with the league leaders, a scenario neither the coaching staff, led by Portuguese manager Luis Castro, nor the Al-Nassr fans want to see.

List of absences and their expected impact

Al-Nassr faces this match with a depleted squad, missing some of its key players, leaving coach Castro in a difficult position to choose suitable replacements. The list of absentees includes influential names for various reasons:

Marcelo Brozovic (suspended): The absence of the Croatian star is the most significant, as he is the mastermind of the team's midfield. Al-Nassr will miss his ability to control the tempo of the game and link the lines, due to his accumulation of yellow cards.
Ayman Yahya (injury): The absence of the young Saudi winger represents a loss of quick attacking solutions on the flanks, as he is distinguished by his speed and ability to dribble.
Alex Telles (technical decision): The exclusion of the Brazilian left-back by coach Luis Castro raises questions about the technical choices, and the team will be deprived of his experience and ability to deliver accurate crosses.
Raghed Al-Najjar (not ready): The absence of a backup goalkeeper reduces the depth of options available on the bench in a sensitive position.

The biggest challenge: maintaining momentum

With these absences, the burden falls heavily on the remaining stars, especially Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Anderson Talisca, to lead the team to victory. This match will be a true test of Al-Nassr's squad depth and the ability of the substitutes to fill the void and deliver the required performance. A win is not just about three points; it's a powerful message that the team is capable of overcoming adversity and continuing to compete for the league title until the very end.