Updated / Saturday, 15 Mar 2025 21:44
**ITALY**
Former England star Dele Alli endured a nightmare return on his first competitive appearance in over two years as he was sent off less than 10 minutes into his debut for Serie A side Como.
Alli, 28, once a leading light at Tottenham and a World Cup semi-finalist with Gareth Southgate's England in 2018, has been trying to put his career back on track after being picked up by Como boss Cesc Fabregas before Christmas.
He was summoned from the bench in the 81st minute of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at AC Milan, stepping out at San Siro to end a wait that dates back to his last appearance on loan at Besiktas in February 2023.
But his comeback turned sour when he made a clumsy challenge on former England team-mate Ruben Loftus-Cheek at the start of added time.
He was shown an initial yellow card by referee Matteo Marchetti but a VAR review saw the caution turned into a red.
Another of his former England colleagues, Milan full-back Kyle Walker, appeared to try and talk Marchetti into showing lenience but the decision was already made.
Dele will now face a ban, just a few minutes into his return to competitive football.
The 28-year-old has opened up about his personal struggles during his lengthy absence from the game, revealing he was sexually abused as a child and later suffered from mental health issues and sleeping pill addiction.
**SPAIN**
Carlo Ancelotti insists Real Madrid will refuse to play any further games with less than 72 hours rest.
Ancelotti is angry after Saturday's 2-1 victory at Villarreal took place 66 hours after Real set up a Champions League quarter-final with Arsenal by beating Atletico Madrid on penalties.
Real are invoking a FIFA recommendation issued in 2023 for a minimum compulsory rest period of 72 hours in between games in their protest to LaLiga.
"This team has something special – character and commitment," Ancelotti said after the victory at El Madrigal which was clinched through two goals from Kylian Mbappé.
"We held our own physically. In the second half the team was exhausted, but that was normal. This victory speaks volumes about the team and the resources this squad has.
"We have to thank these players for their tremendous effort since January 3. This is the last time we’ll play a game without 72 hours of rest. We asked LaLiga to change it twice and nothing happened."