While AC Milan started the season in plain form, they have had numerous inconsistencies, putting at risk their UEFA Champions League spot. Compounding their struggles, Zlatan Ibrahimovic reportedly told Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao and three more stars that are out of Massimiliano Allegri’s plans. AC Milan impressed with their impact in the start of the season, leading the Serie A standings for several weeks. Nonetheless, they have had several inconsistencies, putting at risk their Champions League spot. Far from having an easy season-ending, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Massimiliano Allegri have reportedly clashed, as the Swede executive revealed Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, and three stars that are out of the project. According to Pietro Mazzara, via MilanNews, Zlatan Ibrahimović has reportedly personally informed Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leão, Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Youssouf Fofana that Massimiliano Allegri does not count on them for next season. Being a topic expected to be discussed until the end of the campaign, the Italian coach is reportedly growing increasingly frustrated and is now seriously considering leaving the club. Far from being the first conflict between Ibrahimovic and Allegri, both have reportedly clashed as the Swede spoke directly with some players to tactical advices. With this in mind, the Rossoneri may need to decide whether keep Zlatan or Massimiliano for the 2026-27 season. Moreover, Igli Tare’s sporting director spot is at risk, targeting Tony D’Amico as his replacement, complicating AC Milan plans for the upcoming season. Due to his huge impact in AC Milan, Massimiliano Allegri has also been calling the attention of several teams. After Italy’s failure in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he has been named as the main target to keep the head coach spot. For that reason, the Italian coach may be the chosen to leave, but the Rossoneri may still chase to smooth things over, as both remain as cornerstones for the sporting project. Massimiliano Allegri manager of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match. AC Milan’s squad changes may hinge on securing Champions League spot Although AC Milan showed flashes of brilliance during the 2025-26 season, Massimiliano Allegri still faced several issues within the squad. They lack depth and quality in midfield, while the attack also needs reinforcements, prompting them to explore multiple transfer targets. However, the Rossoneri’s summer plans could still depend heavily on securing a UEFA Champions League spot, as the competition’s financial boost may ultimately shape their 2026 transfer strategy. In case they reached to defeat Cagliari, the Rossoneri may secure their Champions League spot, allowing them to receive a significant amount of money. With this, they could attract world-class players, as they would compete for big titles. While Ibrahimovic and Allegri’s dilemma keeps shinning, AC Milan are reportedly working on reinforcing the roster, contemplating both to continue at the helm of the team.
The club is now within touching distance of the elite tier, with pressure mounting as the season approaches its decisive final stretch and four matches remaining to decide its fate. Cristiano Ronaldo’s most recent investment, Almeria, continues to push toward La Liga promotion after extending its dominant home form with a record-breaking consecutive victory at home, tightening its grip on a top-two finish in Spain’s Segunda Division. The club is now within touching distance of the elite tier, with pressure mounting as the season approaches its decisive final stretch and four matches remaining to decide its fate. Almeria’s 4-2 win over Mirandes was more than just another three points; it marked an eighth straight home victory, setting a new club record in the process. That run has included wins over teams such as Leganes, Malaga, and FC Andorra, underlining the consistency that has defined their season. “The Andalusian outfit have set a new club record, underlining the importance of maintaining their dominance on home soil,” reported Diario de Almeria. The streak began in early February and has turned their stadium into a key foundation for their promotion ambitions. Mirandes entered the match hoping to disrupt that momentum, but Almeria maintained control and continued their push toward the top of the table. The result ensured they remain firmly in the automatic promotion places. Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement adds global attention The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo as an investor has brought additional attention to Almeria’s rise, with his ownership stake of 25% in the club confirmed earlier this year. While he is not involved on the pitch, his association has increased global interest in the club’s progress. His name continues to be linked with the project as Almeria aims to return to La Liga, where financial and sporting rewards are significantly higher. The club’s upward trajectory has only intensified scrutiny as the season reaches its climax. Promotion race reaches boiling point With four games left, Almeria sits second in the Segunda Division with 70 points, just behind leaders Racing Santander on 72. The situation is tight, with Deportivo La Coruna and Las Palmas also closing in behind Los Rojiblancos in a fiercely competitive race. The promotion system is unforgiving: the top two teams go directly up, while those finishing third to sixth must navigate the pressure-filled playoffs. 🔥Tensión hasta el final.👏🏼 Apoya, ahora más que nunca, a tu equipo.#DESENLACELALIGA #42LEGADOSLALIGA pic.twitter.com/82xMNv3yyj— LALIGA HYPERMOTION (@LaLiga2) May 5, 2026 Almeria currently holds one of those automatic spots, but the margin is razor-thin. The equation is simple but brutal: consistency will decide everything in the final weeks, and even a single poor result could shift the entire structure of the table. What Almeria needs to secure promotion While nothing is mathematically decided, the path forward is becoming clearer. A perfect finish would take Almeria to 82 points, which would almost certainly guarantee promotion regardless of rival results. However, realistically, analysts suggest it likely needs between eight and 10 points from its final four matches to stay safe. That would place the Cowboys in the 78-80 point range, historically strong enough for a top-two finish in this division. Anything below that threshold could open the door for Deportivo La Coruna or Las Palmas to overtake it in the final weeks. Almeria’s four remaining games in the Segunda Division The final stretch is unforgiving, with Almeria facing Burgos on May 9, La Palmas on May 16, Gijon on May 24, and Real Valladolid on May 31. These fixtures will test not only quality but mental strength. The upcoming clash with Las Palmas stands out as particularly decisive, given the direct impact it could have on the standings.
After a disappointing season, the real impact of Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior is being questioned. However, Real Madrid reportedly still consider them undisputed starters and have made them a key condition in selecting the next head coach. Real Madrid are heading toward two consecutive trophyless seasons, raising serious doubts on their roster. Following this, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is expected to be either dismissed or reassigned at the end of the season, with the club targeting a candidate with extensive experience. However, Los Blancos have reportedly set a clear condition for the next appointment: Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior are untouchable. According to José Félix Díaz via Diario AS, Los Blancos maintain full confidence in Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior, seeing them as key figures for the next season. With this in mind, they rule out the departure of any of the three stars. In fact, Real Madrid aim for the next head coach to be capable of extracting the best version of all three within the same lineup, making this a central factor in defining the appointment. Although Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior being world-class players, they have not managed to shine simultaneously at Real Madrid. While the Englishman and the Brazilian stood out under Carlo Ancelotti, the Frenchman’s arrival changed everything, as his presence directly overlaps with the areas where his teammates shined. Therefore, the next head coach may be forced to adjust the roles of the three, aiming to fit them into the same lineup. Far from being a simple task, Ancelotti, Xabi, and Arbeloa have all struggled to make them fit together, as Mbappé’s total freedom of movement prevents Jude and Vinícius from fully occupying their natural roles. Because of this, the Frenchman may need to adapt into a centre-forward role in the style of Cristiano Ronaldo, freeing up space for his teammates and could even enhance his own scoring output. Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates a goal with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Real Madrid defense issue could unlock Mbappé, Bellingham and Vinícius Throughout the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid have struggled with consistency defensively, suffering multiple injuries and costly defeats. As a result, the efforts of Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior are often overshadowed, as they concede many goals and are forced to contribute to defensive pressing. Because of this, Los Blancos could strengthen their defensive structure to better maximize their three stars. Without having to make excessive defensive efforts, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior could focus entirely on the attacking phase, improving their counterattacks and avoiding unnecessary physical fatigue. In addition, their offensive impact could become more evident without constant defensive issues. For this reason, Los Blancos could prioritize strengthening their defense and appointing a world-class coach.
