“On this special Valentine’s Day, I can’t help but confess my love for Madrid,” Brahim playfully quipped in the mixed zone of the Red Bull Arena, where he undoubtedly stole the limelight. Hailing from Malaga, he showcased his prowess by netting an almost ‘messianic’ goal, weaving past three Leipzig defenders from the right flank of the white team’s attack and delivering a precision shot that slipped past Gulácsi’s grasp. “I managed to find the back of the net this time, unlike on other days,” he admitted.

Expressing his gratitude, the Andalusian showered affection on coach Ancelotti, who initially didn’t rely heavily on him this season. However, due to rotations, rest, and injuries, Brahim was given the opportunity, and he certainly made the most of it. “Ancelotti has played a significant role in my improvement, allowing me to evolve into a better version of myself,” he professed with admiration.

This transformation into his best self coincided with the absence of Bellingham, one of Brahim’s closest friends in the team. So much so that after scoring the opening goal, he rushed towards the Madrid faithful and celebrated with open arms, emulating the typical gesture of the British prodigy. “I hold him in high regard. I celebrated just like him because I know he would have loved to be here until the very end. He made countless efforts, and this goal is dedicated to him. We hit it off right from the beginning, and I’m assisting him with Spanish. He’s a genius with an abundance of charm, and above all, a phenomenal person,” he emotionally shared.

Nevertheless, Brahim staunchly insists that he doesn’t want to be viewed as anyone’s replacement on the team. “It’s not something I like to say because we are all on the same page, and he is a world-class star,” he explained empathically. Acknowledging the impact of his physical transformation, he credited the Pintus Method for his progress and growth.

Just a few meters away, Ancelotti continued to marvel at Brahim’s exceptional display on the field. “His goal was nothing short of spectacular and incredible. I remember shouting at him, ‘Don’t lose it, don’t lose it!’ And he didn’t…”, the Italian coach playfully recalled, acknowledging the player’s remarkable improvement. “After spending two years in Milan, he has returned even more formidable, exhibiting greater strength, character, and personality. Despite limited playing time, whenever given an opportunity, he has consistently made valuable contributions,” Ancelotti commended.

However, the surprise of the evening came when Brahim fell to the ground, clutching his right calf in pain. The coaching staff and fans anxiously awaited information about the severity of the injury, as the player required a substitution. Fortunately, the injury appears to be merely a knock as the Andalusian revealed, “I felt a blow, but I’m hopeful that it’s nothing serious. I’ll probably undergo tests tomorrow.” Ancelotti also echoed his optimism during the press conference, stating, “I don’t believe it’s a muscle problem.”

Amidst Brahim’s exceptional performance, controversy loomed as he had the ball when he raised his hand and collapsed in pain. Instead of halting play, the Leipzig players took advantage of the situation and initiated a counterattack, only to be thwarted by Lunin. This provoked Kroos to confront the referee and Haidara, while the Madrid coaching staff expressed their disappointment towards the Leipzig team. “There was a misunderstanding because they failed to play the ball out. They eventually apologized to me, and that’s the end of it,” Brahim clarified.

Since the start of the match, the home team had expressed their displeasure towards the referee, particularly because of the disallowed goal due to Henrichs being in an offside position – a decision made by referee Peljto, which irked Lunin. “There was no offside or foul. We can’t understand why that goal was disallowed,” complained Marco Rose, the German team’s coach. Speaking about the referee’s performance, Rose speculated, “Perhaps he was nervous as this was his first high-level game. He made mistakes, and that’s it,” he concluded.

Sharing his perspective on the incident, Lunin explained, “During the corner kick, a player came towards me, not to challenge for the ball but to impede my movement. It could be interpreted as a foul, but I’m not entirely sure. In my opinion, it did interfere with the play.” Ancelotti firmly supported Lunin’s interpretation, asserting, “I was pushing Lunin, and it was quite evident.”

Three years ago, Marta Xargay (Girona, 1990) left elite sport at the height of the wave. Because, he confessed, “all that glitters is not gold.”. She was 29 years old, she was one of the best players in the world, leader of the European champion team, Olympic and world silver, but she looked back and only remembered basketball.. Not only did she retire, she also publicly denounced having suffered episodes of abuse by Lucas Mondelo that led her to bulimia.

Marta pressed F5 and a new life dawned, of which Breanna Stewart, her wife (WNBA MVP) and Ruby Mae and Teo are now part.. After all that earthquake of 2021, of life experiences as unique as the birth of his children and as hard as the death of his father due to cancer last August, Xargay breaks his silence in EL MUNDO, which he receives in Madrid after receiving the award from Gigantes magazine for his Legend career.

What is your life like after basketball? If I'm honest, my life is a revolution. We live between New York and Girona. I no longer have a schedule to train, but now I have to take the girl to school, take care of Teo…. And I like to continue being surrounded by basketball, sharing the previous nerves with Breanna. What do you miss and what don't you? We just got back from Antwerp from the US Olympic Qualifiers and we miss those important games, the finals, watching a full pavilion… But day to day…. When I see that she has to train twice or lengthen a workout, I don't miss that. I know it was my time. When an elite athlete no longer wants to work overtime, it means that you are no longer enjoying what you do. What feelings do you have when you see a ball? When I announced my retirement, it took me a long time to touch a ball again. I didn't feel like it. When people leave due to fatigue… And I was very clear about it, one stage was closing and another was opening. Now I occasionally help Breanna in some training, when we are in Girona. But in New York I only play with my daughter in the toy basket we have at home. Now we see careers that extend up to 40 years. You were clear that it was time to say goodbye with 29. I was happy and calm with my career. Olympic Games, World Games, European Games, the WNBA, I won a Euroleague…. It's true that here we start much younger and I suppose that mental and physical fatigue comes sooner. Best memory? Rio comes to mind a lot. Any medal costs a lot, but an Olympic one… That was one of the moments that has marked me the most and that will stay with me forever. Do you feel that they formed something special in that team? We went to the team to have a good time. We were going to compete, but we always said, 'Let's go camping.' It was a group with a lot of chemistry and a very good vibe. We enjoyed it outside, but we also enjoyed it inside, where the character came out. Knowing how to compete, not giving up. Pride. On Sunday they were down 22 and came back in Hungary. You feel proud, even though you are no longer part. It means that you have left something, that that character is not lost.

There were also bad moments. I was recently with Laia Palau and we remembered the last summer, 2019, the European Championship in Serbia. That summer was very hard. I carried everything I had on me and it was very hard for everyone.. If I'm honest, I don't even know how we won.. Well, with Spanish blood. That tournament was held after his season in Kursk (Russia), where those “unaffordable things” that he denounced with Mondelo happened.. Was it a liberation? I felt a responsibility to make my case public. I, who was who I was at that moment, could help someone. It was better to do that than win a medal. As an elite athlete, there are many girls who follow you. You are an example for many people. From all that process I remain with the people who wrote to me, thanking me. Because surely, they were going through the same thing. Mothers and girls wrote to me, saying thank you. You have to give visibility to things. You don't want that to happen to anyone, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. It was hard, I'm not going to lie to you. But you can also get out of it. I have recovered and in the end, it was an anecdote, so to speak. He has not talked about it again or about Lucas Mondelo. I did not want to talk more because in the end it is something that I wanted to get rid of. Breanna helped me a lot, she also told her story to help other girls. About Lucas, each one chooses his path. I am very calm with my life, with my career. I'm not going to talk to him. If I meet him, I'm not going to turn his face, we are adults. In addition to your case, did you see or sense other cases of abuse nearby? I am convinced that there are many cases like this, in all areas. There are people who do not have that power to report or are afraid to tell their story because they cannot be believed. I hope anyone who is suffering harassment or any type of abuse can ask for help and put an end to it. As an elite athlete, what did you feel about the Rubiales case? It was hard, very hard. I remember getting emotional with anger and sadness. When he spoke (at the RFEF Assembly) and everyone applauded him… that's what hurt me the most of all. Things happen and everyone can make a mistake, but what comes after the mistake is worse than what happened before. When I saw that applause, tears fell down.. I thought, 'Still, we applaud.' That is unforgivable. What would you say to your children if they told you that they wanted to dedicate themselves to basketball? Something that my parents told me from the beginning: 'Enjoy and have a good time.' And be aware that there will be hard moments. I had teammates whose parents were behind with the statistics. They never scolded me. If you haven't done well but you've fought and enjoyed it, it's worth it. He started his family after his career. Did you value being a mother while being a professional player? In that area there is a lot to learn. In sports we are very behind. We are making progress little by little, but there are still striking cases. A few days ago I saw a woman doing a job interview and the first thing they asked her was if she had plans to get pregnant.. As elite athletes we have it much more difficult. In the WNBA it is different, the players can travel with the children, financially they help you from the league… I hope there comes a time when being a mother is not a problem for an athlete. As an athlete and person you want to create a family and we should make it easier for all of us. Silvia Domínguez told me that she was aware that being a mother affected her sports career. It's not fair at all. Many athletes are not mothers because they are afraid of what will happen, in case it will affect their career. When we decide to start a family, it affects Breanna too. You don't sleep as well… being a mother is a constant job, non-stop.

City displayed the qualities expected from a defending champion in their match against Copenhagen. They maintained control of the game with ease, not suffering from any suspensions or injuries, and secured their spot in the quarterfinals. This victory marks their 10th consecutive win since their Club World Cup triumph.

Despite not reaching their full potential, City came close to scoring in various ways. Ruben Dias’ header from a ball served by Bernardo Silva and a well-timed pass from Foden to De Bruyne, who found the back of the net in the 10th minute, showcased their offensive prowess.

Even Grealish’s injury did not disrupt City’s rhythm, as Vavro’s own goal, which hit the crossbar, helped them double their lead. Copenhagen, though sturdy in their defense, failed to pose a significant threat to City.

Ederson’s error allowed Copenhagen’s Mattsson to capitalize and pull one back, but City remained unfazed. Just before halftime, Bernardo Silva displayed his brilliance by scoring a fantastic goal.

The second half saw Copenhagen unable to penetrate City’s defense, showcasing their inferiority. Grabara, Copenhagen’s goalkeeper, made impressive saves against De Bruyne and Doku, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

Six months after the debacle at the World Cup and with his eyes set on next summer, where the team will compete in the Valencia Pre-Olympic Championship (July 2 to 7) for their ticket to the Paris Games, Sergio Scariolo once again gathered his team to face the qualification matches for Eurobasket 2025. This upcoming window will see them face Latvia on Thursday, the 22nd in Zaragoza and Belgium on Sunday, the 25th in Charleroi. However, the most surprising news is the return of Ricky Rubio, who has been included in the roster.

“He told me that he would like his first official match to be with the national team.” Scariolo shared, “It was an emotional moment, and I was with my mother in the hospital when he called. I advised him to manage his expectations and not expect to be the MVP of the 2019 World Cup immediately. These things take time. We need to be cautious and patient.” The coach spoke about Ricky’s return and his mental health struggles. Ricky Rubio, who recently returned to FC Barcelona after a six-month hiatus, has not yet made his debut for the club after confirming his comeback. It was during the training camp for the previous World Cup that Ricky decided to take a break from his sports career. “He feels a special connection with the national team and his teammates. It was a very emotional moment when he informed me of his decision,” Scariolo reiterated in the press conference.

The selected squad consists of 14 players, with 10 of them currently playing in the Euroleague. Alongside Ricky Rubio, the return of Carlos Alocén, and the presence of Madrid players Alberto Abalde and Rudy Fernández (Sergio Llull is absent) and Barcelona’s Darío Brizuela and Joel Parra (Willy Hernángomez is absent), it’s an intriguing lineup. Juancho Hernangómez, Alberto Díaz, Víctor Claver, López Aróstegui, Jaime Pradilla, Jankuba Sima, Jaime Fernández, and Sebas Saiz complete the roster. Notably, Lorenzo Brown and Juan Núñez are not included. Additionally, six players from the youth categories have been invited: Hugo González, Eli Ndiaye, Lucas Langarita, Jordi Rodríguez, De Larrea, and Mario Saint-Supery.

“We wanted to prioritize those players who have had limited opportunities in previous windows. Some players have had minimal presence in international competitions, which is crucial when it comes to the ability to compete in a team that will face a difficult Pre-Olympic tournament. We wanted to give these players a chance to showcase their skills,” reflected the coach.

This window holds special significance due to the improved relationship between FIBA and the Euroleague. For the first time in years, players from the top continental competition can join their national teams outside the summer, mainly because the Euroleague matches are not scheduled during this period.

Scariolo, who recently visited Spanish NBA players in the US, acknowledged that some players chose not to be part of the squad in order to rest or recover from their injuries. The coach made a special mention of Lorenzo Brown, saying, “I saw him in Belgrade, and I was surprised by his willingness to participate in the windows. Unfortunately, a back problem prevented him from joining, but we remain optimistic for the Pre-Olympic tournament.”

Aston Martin has made a significant move by hiring Dan Fallows from Red Bull to develop a car capable of competing for victories. Fallows, a disciple of legendary engineer Adrian Newey, carries substantial prestige in the paddock, and his signing has sparked high expectations within Lawrence Stroll’s team. Aston Martin’s new factory in Silverstone has eagerly anticipated Fallows’ first complete creation after he was unable to participate in the design process from scratch last year. The wait finally came to an end as Aston Martin unveiled the AMR-24, the car that Fernando Alonso will use to take on Red Bull.

Fallows faced a dual challenge in preparing for the 2024 World Championship. Firstly, he had to enhance the car’s performance on high-speed circuits such as Monza and Spa by generating more downforce and increasing top speed. Secondly, the new concept of the car had to facilitate ongoing evolution throughout the season. Aston Martin had to improve its development race against Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, having experienced a significant drop in performance in 2023 after a series of podium finishes.

With these priorities in mind, Aston Martin presented the first images of the AMR-24 yesterday, followed by a test run on the Silverstone track. Tom McCullough, Aston Martin’s performance director, expressed satisfaction with the car’s performance during the successful filming day, noting that the AMR-24 had run smoothly without any issues.

Upon analyzing the early video footage, most analysts concluded that the AMR-24 did not feature drastic new modifications compared to its predecessor in 2023. This was partly due to the stability of the technical regulations, which limit the engineers’ creative freedom. Additionally, changes implemented in areas inaccessible to cameras may be imperceptible to the naked eye. One noticeable alteration was the reduction in the intake intakes on the sides of the car. Aston Martin incorporated small floating pontoons, similar to those seen on Red Bull’s car last year. This design alteration serves to minimize air intake and subsequently reduce engine cooling, with Aston Martin aiming to maintain the reliability of its Mercedes engine.

The AMR-24 also introduced other aerodynamic measures that caught attention, such as the rear wing’s bold design and the narrower, shorter nose compared to the 2023 model. The higher position of the nose above the ground is expected to enhance the car’s flexibility and improve airflow.

Fallows explained that the AMR-24 also underwent significant changes to its flat bottom and rear diffuser. Furthermore, the suspension now features pushrods at both the front and rear, following Red Bull’s lead. This marks a departure from the previous year when Aston Martin had to employ a pull rod system at the rear due to Mercedes’ choice of suspension.

While Fallows has demonstrated resourcefulness in unlocking the car’s potential within the regulations, Aston Martin faces the challenge of closing the gap against rivals such as McLaren. Despite implementing developments inspired by Newey’s guidance, Aston Martin was unable to match McLaren’s performance in the qualifying session of the Abu Dhabi GP three months ago, trailing by three tenths per lap. The first half of the championship will not only determine Aston Martin’s fate under Mike Krack’s leadership but also influence the future of Fernando Alonso. If expectations are not met, the 43-year-old Spaniard may contemplate retirement.

Alonso himself acknowledged the importance of his decision, expressing his commitment to giving the team his full dedication. However, the unpredictability of emotional bonds in Formula 1 cannot be ignored. Alonso’s agent, Flavio Briatore, hinted at a meeting with Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, raising speculation about the Spaniard’s future. When questioned, Alonso dismissed the Mercedes rumors curtly.

“You see? It’s simple,” Brahim Díaz confidently declares after each of his seven goals this season. Unlike his friend Jude Bellingham, who crosses his arms in celebration, Brahim raises his forearms with palms up and makes a nonchalant gesture with his face. To him, scoring goals is just that easy. “It’s like telling people, ‘See? It’s easy’,” the Andalusian explained in Valdebebas, where his viral celebration originated. In tonight’s game in Leipzig, filling in for the injured Bellingham, the former Málaga and Manchester City player will aim to repeat his gesture.

This celebration, however, has a deeper origin. It harkens back to Brahim’s childhood days spent playing board games with his four sisters, where his competitive spirit always shone through. For the Abdelkader-Díaz family, the past decade has been a roller coaster of emotions.

At the presentation of the then 19-year-old Malaga native in the Bernabéu in January 2019, his parents, Sufiel and Patricia, and his four little sisters, Zaira, Idaira, Dunia, and Irina, were in attendance. Little did they know that Brahim’s celebration would become a hallmark of Spanish football.

Perhaps due to that presentation, where his body was still developing, Brahim’s physique has caught attention in the Madrid sports city this season. The team acknowledges his transformation, with increased lower body strength, muscle mass, and upper body volume in the abdomen, back, and arms. This physical development is a result of the hard work Brahim put in during his time in Manchester and especially during his last season at Milan, where intense physical training helped him gain strength.

In the locker room, Brahim is known as “Brahino,” a nickname that highlights his improved physique. Teammates who shared the space with him before his Milan stint can hardly believe the transformation. “He’s like a roadrunner, a beast, or a wizard,” they say.

Interestingly, Brahim’s season has been intertwined with his early interactions with Jude Bellingham. During the preseason, the Madrid club arranged for Brahim, Bellingham, and Arda Güler to work together, and their chemistry was evident from day one. However, most of Brahim’s playing time has come when Bellingham is injured or resting. “He has a problem, and that is that Jude is in his position,” admitted coach Ancelotti. Although Brahim had the opportunity to secure a place in the starting eleven during Vinicius’ absence, the return of the Brazilian and Ancelotti’s faith in Rodrygo have relegated him to the bench. Nonetheless, Ancelotti’s appreciation for Brahim has grown compared to last year. The coach now recognizes Brahim’s physical and tactical improvement.

Looking ahead, Brahim has the prospect of a national team call-up. He is eligible to choose between Spain and Morocco, but it is clear that he would not hesitate if given the opportunity to play under Luis de la Fuente.

Lug in San Siro

And perhaps because of that presentation, in which the midfielder was 19 years old and had a fine body still to develop, in the white team's sports city Brahim's physique has drawn attention this season, already since the preseason in the capital and in the United States. Joined. “He's like a beast,” they admit from the Madrid locker room.

Brahim has gained in lower body, muscle mass and volume in the upper body, both in the abdomen and in the back and arms.. It is the result of the work he has been doing since his time in Manchester, but especially during his last season at Milan, where the tradition of extreme physical work in clubs was perfect for him to gain strength and muscle.. At San Siro, little Brahim hit his growth spurt.

'Brahino' for the locker room

«He has always wanted to gain muscle. Being a player who is stopped with his body, he understands that he needs to protect himself physically,” summarized in the Madrid sports city.. And you can see it. So much so that in the locker room those who shared space with him before leaving for Milan still do not believe his physical condition: “It has nothing to do with it,” they say.. “Roadrunner”, “beast” or “wizard” are some of the nicknames they use for him, although the main one remains the simple “Brahino”.

Curiously, Brahim's season has depended directly on one of the first people he had dinner with in Madrid this summer. Madrid brought the Andalusian together at a table with Bellingham and Arda Güler to work together during the preseason and it went well, because the Englishman and the man from Malaga, who speaks English from his time in Manchester, understood each other perfectly from day one.

Waiting for Spain

Of course, the vast majority of Brahim's minutes have come with injuries or rest from Bellingham. “He has a problem, and that is that Jude is in his position,” Ancelotti admitted in the fall.. Brahim took advantage of Vinicius' physical problems to find a place in the eleven for some games, but the Brazilian's return and the Italian coach's confidence in Rodrygo have relegated him to the bench.. Even so, Ancelotti's words towards the man from Malaga are not the same as those he used last year.

12 months ago, when there were rumors about his return, not everyone in Valdebebas was clear that Brahim could be as important as he is this year.. And we return to the physical. They remembered him as lighter, less powerful in duels. But not anymore. “He has improved physically and also tactically, he is much better,” Ancelotti praised him.

On the horizon, the next call for the national team. He can choose between Spain and Morocco, but he would not hesitate when faced with a call from Luis de la Fuente.