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Real Madrid set to re-sign Nico Paz following the World Cup

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Nico Paz will return to Real Madrid, as the club has informed Como that they will activate the buy-back clause, according to reports by Diario AS.

The decision has already been communicated to the Italian club, even though the clause can officially be triggered until the end of May. Real Madrid had included this option when Paz moved to Como, and now they have chosen to bring him back for the 2026/27 season.

Paz has had a strong season in Serie A and became one of Como’s most important players. His performances, with goals and assists throughout the campaign, helped the team fight near the top of the table and drew attention from Real Madrid.

The reported fee for the buy-back is around €9 million, a relatively low amount considering his current level and development in Italy.

This type of move is part of Real Madrid’s strategy with young players. The club often sells players but keeps control through buy-back clauses, allowing them to bring them back after gaining experience.

Paz has also earned regular call-ups with Argentina, and his current form puts him in a strong position ahead of the next World Cup.

Enzo Fernández scores for Chelsea in 1-0 win vs. Leeds to reach FA Cup final

Enzo Fernández scored the only goal as Chelsea defeated Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley, securing a place in the FA Cup final where they will face Manchester City on May 16.

The Argentine midfielder found the net with a header, ending a difficult run for the Blues, who had gone five matches without scoring. In a game where Chelsea did not dominate, Enzo made the difference at a key moment to send his team through.

Among the starters was also Alejandro Garnacho, who played 71 minutes before being substituted by Cole Palmer.

Chelsea will now face Manchester City in the final at Wembley after City defeated Southampton 2-1 in the other semifinal. With the team currently sitting eighth in the Premier League and Champions League qualification out of reach, winning the FA Cup represents their best chance to qualify for European competition next season.

Fernández had missed two of Chelsea’s recent defeats due to a suspension imposed by the previous coach after comments about his future, as reports continue to link him with a possible move to Real Madrid.

Martín Demichelis named La Liga Coach of the Month with RCD Mallorca

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Martín Demichelis has been named as La Liga’s Coach of the Month with RCD Mallorca.

Demichelis won two matches, drew one and lost one out of four as coach in April, including a win against Real Madrid. The Argentine coached Mallorca to a 2-1 win against Real Madrid and a 3-0 win against Rayo Vallecano.

He also drew 1-1 against Valencia and lost 2-1 against Alaves. Those wins and draw brought Mallorca out of the relegation zone in the league.

UEFA suspends Gianluca Prestianni for six matches after Champions League controversy with Vinícius Júnior

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More than three months after the controversy that drew global attention, Gianluca Prestianni has received a significant sanction from UEFA following his altercation with Vinícius Júnior during the Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid.

After an investigation led by UEFA’s Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector—reviewing footage, testimonies, and statements from both players—the governing body issued a six-match suspension to the Argentine winger for what it described as “discriminatory conduct.” According to the official report, three matches are to be served immediately, while the remaining three are suspended over a two-year probation period.

The case had initially sparked widespread accusations of racism, with claims that Prestianni directed offensive language toward Vinícius. However, UEFA’s final ruling categorized the offense as discriminatory conduct of a homophobic nature. The decision marks a serious disciplinary outcome for the former Vélez player, who had denied all accusations and insisted he was punished “without evidence.”

One of the matches has already been served during Benfica’s return leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in February. That leaves Prestianni with two remaining matches to serve in UEFA competitions—for now.

The situation could escalate further. UEFA has formally requested that FIFA extend the suspension worldwide, which would include international fixtures. If approved, the sanction could directly impact Prestianni’s chances of representing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, should Lionel Scaloni consider him for the squad.

Within AFA, there were initial discussions about having the player serve part of the suspension during upcoming friendlies against Honduras and Iceland in June. However, those matches would not count toward the ban, as they are not official competitions.

Prestianni still has legal avenues available. He can appeal the decision through UEFA’s Appeals Body and, if necessary, take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in an attempt to obtain a provisional measure that would allow him to remain eligible for international duty.

Rodrigo De Paul scores for Inter Miami in 2-0 win vs. Real Salt Lake

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Rodrigo De Paul scored for Inter Miami in their 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake.

De Paul made it two goals and two assists in seven league matches with Inter Miami. With the score at 0-0, the Argentine received the ball outside of the penalty area and his effort would beat the goalkeeper to give Inter Miami the 1-0 lead.

Lionel Messi and Tadeo Allende also started the match for Inter Miami.