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.
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 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.
Nicolás González delivered one of his best performances in an Atlético Madrid shirt, scoring twice in a chaotic first half that also saw Thiago Almada sent off in their 3-2 loss against Elche.
With Diego Simeone rotating his squad due to the team’s focus on the Champions League, several Argentine players were given a chance from the start. While Julián Álvarez was left out to rest, both Nicolás González and Thiago Almada were in the lineup—but their nights could not have been more different.
González took full advantage of his opportunity. Just nine minutes into the match, he led a counterattack from midfield and combined well with Álex Baena, who returned the ball with a clever backheel. González, already leaning onto his left foot, finished while falling to open the scoring with a quality strike.
In the 34th minute, the Argentine produced another outstanding moment. Chasing a long ball over the defense, González controlled it with two headers to get into the box, lifted it over the goalkeeper, and then headed it into an empty net. After a brief VAR review, the goal stood, completing his brace and bringing the match level heading into halftime.
While González was the standout performer, Almada endured a night to forget. The former Vélez midfielder lost possession in a dangerous area while trying to turn under pressure. In an attempt to recover, he brought down his opponent and conceded a penalty. The referee showed him a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, and André Silva converted from the spot to put Elche ahead at the time.
Atlético Madrid, currently sitting comfortably in fourth place in La Liga, has shifted its main focus toward the Champions League, where they are just a few matches away from a potential title run.
Julián Álvarez continues to be one of the most talked-about Argentine players in Europe, and his future at Atlético Madrid is once again under the spotlight. According to reports by Mundo Deportivo, three of the continent’s biggest clubs—Arsenal, FC Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain—are all interested in signing the Argentine forward ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The interest comes just days after Atlético’s loss to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final, a match where Álvarez played a central role. The Argentine scored a late equalizer to send the game to penalties, although he later missed his spot-kick in the shootout.
Despite that setback, Álvarez’s performances throughout the season have only increased his value. The former River Plate striker has established himself as one of Atlético’s key players, scoring important goals in La Liga and the Champions League, including decisive strikes against top opposition such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter, and Tottenham.
With the summer transfer window approaching, clubs are already planning their squads, and Álvarez is seen as a priority target. Reports from Spain indicate that all three clubs have already made their interest known. Barcelona, in particular, view him as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski and would be willing to offer up to €100 million to secure his signing.
Arsenal, who are competing for both the Premier League and the Champions League this season, had already made a €100 million bid in the previous transfer window. That offer was rejected by Atlético, who have made it clear they are not eager to sell their striker.
Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the situation closely as they continue building a squad capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe.
Atlético president Enrique Cerezo addressed the speculation in recent weeks and left no doubt about the club’s stance. “Julián Álvarez will stay with us for a long time. Think that I am God—until I say he leaves, he will not leave,” he said.
Since arriving in Madrid, Álvarez has made 104 appearances for Atlético, scoring 48 goals and providing 17 assists. His only final with the club so far came last weekend in the Copa del Rey, where he once again showed his importance by delivering in a crucial moment, even if the night ultimately ended in disappointment.
Play our weekly trivia and win a ball signed by Julián Álvarez!
