Mark Schwarzer

Real Madrid vs Girona: La Liga – teams, start, kickoff time, lineups

Who: Real Madrid vs Girona What: Spanish football’s La Liga Where: Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain When: Friday, April 10, at 9pm (19:00 GMT) How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 16:00 GMT in advance of our live text commentary stream. Real Madrid hosts Girona after losing back-to-back games, falling 2-1 at Mallorca in the last La Liga round before its UEFA Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich on Tuesday. The record Spanish league winners are hoping to make up ground on defending champions, Barcelona, who host struggling cross-city rivals Espanyol on Saturday. With the return match against Bayern being played in Germany on Wednesday, Los Blancos face a season-defining five days. Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at the first of two must-win football games for Real. How far behind Barcelona are Real Madrid in La Liga? The title looks like it’s Barcelona’s to lose with eight games now left. Hansi Flick’s Catalan side holds a seven-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid. Anything other than a win for Real will surely leave the title challenge in tatters. “We know that each game is important,” Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said Thursday. “We have a smaller margin of error now.” How have Real Madrid fared in La Liga this season? Real have won 22 of their 30 matches in La Liga, losing five. Barcelona have lost four, but have managed three more wins. The season started promisingly for new head coach Xabi Alonso, with 13 wins in the first 14 games of the season. The run of two wins in eight that followed jeopardised the former Real midfielder’s position. Despite a run of five wins thereafter, the Super Copa defeat by rivals Barca led to Alonso’s departure. Real Madrid’s interim head coach, Arbeloa, was shocked in his first game in charge with a 3-2 defeat at second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey, but a run of 13 wins in 16 followed. The back-to-back defeats in the last two games, however, threaten to derail that run. How have Girona fared in La Liga this season? Girona spent most of the first half of the season in the relegation zone, but has improved in 2026. It is in 12th place after losing just three of its last 13 games, a run that included a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in February. Last up for Real Madrid Harry Kane delivered for Bayern Munich on his return from injury, scoring a goal and helping set up another in his team’s 2-1 win at Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday. Kylian Mbappe scored Madrid’s goal after the visitors had taken a two-goal lead at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer came up big for Bayern with several key saves to keep the German champions with the first-leg edge. The return leg will be played in Germany on Wednesday. Last up for Girona Girona beat third-placed Villarreal 1-0 in La Liga on Monday. With fourth-placed Atletico Madrid losing at home to Barcelona last weekend, a win for Villarreal would have taken it four points clear of Diego Simeone’s Atletico. However, Arnau Martinez’s cross hit Pau Navarro and deflected past his own goalkeeper in first-half stoppage time. It was the only shot on target for either side during a dour opening 45 minutes, and neither side was much better in a poor second half. Girona’s climb two places into 12th leaves them one point behind Osasuna, Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao. What happened the last time Real Madrid played Girona? The teams shared a 1-1 draw in their first La Liga meeting of the season in November. Azzedine Ounahi gave the home side the lead on the stroke of half-time, before Kylian Mbappe’s 67th-minute penalty meant the points were shared. What happened in the corresponding fixture last season? Real stormed to a 3-0 win in last season’s corresponding La Liga fixture, which was played in December 2024. Jude Bellingham gave Los Blancos a first-half lead, while Arda Guler and Mbappe sealed the win in the second period. When did Girona last beat Real Madrid? Girona’s last win against Real came three seasons ago via a 4-2 home victory in La Liga in April 2023. Valentin Castellanos scored all four goals for Girona, who stormed into a two-goal lead only for Vinicius Junior to pull one back before the break. Castellanos, who was on loan from New York City at the time and now played for Premier League side West Ham, netted a further two in the second period to reassert his side’s advantage before Lucas Vazquez scored a late consolation for Los Blancos Head-to-head This will be the 14th meeting between the sides, with Real Madrid winning eight of the encounters and Girona winning three. Real Madrid team news Real coach Alvaro Arbeloa said Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga will both start for Madrid against Girona. Bellingham is working his way back into top form after an injury, while Camavinga is being linked with a move to the Premier League. Real will be without the services of Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois and Franco Mastantuono, but may be able to call on Ferland Mendy, following a hamstring injury, if the defender passes a late fitness test. Real Madrid predicted starting lineup Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Huijsen, F Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler; Vinicius, Mbappe Girona team news Girona are battling a string of injuries ahead of the trip to Madrid. Portu, Donny van de Beek, Juan Carlos, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ricard Artero are all definite absentees, while Vladyslav Vanat and Daley Blind are both also injury doubts. Girona predicted starting lineup Gazzaniga; Martinez, Reis, Blind, Moreno; Beltran, Witsel; Tsygankov, Martin, Ounahi; Ruiz

2026-04-09

10 Best Australian Soccer Players of All Time: Socceroos Legends Who Shaped the Game

SYDNEY, Australia — Australian soccer has produced a remarkable array of talent over the decades, from trailblazers who put the sport on the map Down Under to modern stars who excelled in Europe's top leagues and led the Socceroos to historic World Cup moments. As the nation prepares for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Australia secured qualification in 2025, debates over the greatest players endure.Rankings vary by era, achievements, international impact and club success, but consensus emerges from fan votes, expert lists and historical records. Here are the 10 best Australian soccer players of all time, based on consistent placements across sources like GiveMeSport, GQ Australia, Football Whispers and official Football Australia honors as of March 2026.1. Harry Kewell Widely regarded as Australia's finest export, Kewell tops most all-time lists for his dazzling skill, pace and left foot. The winger/attacking midfielder starred at Leeds United, reaching the 2001 Champions League semifinals and earning a Ballon d'Or nomination. He later played for Liverpool, Galatasaray and Melbourne Victory. For the Socceroos, he earned 58 caps and scored 17 goals, shining in the 2006 World Cup. Injuries curtailed his prime, but his talent made him a pioneer for Aussies in Europe.2. Mark Schwarzer Australia's most capped player with 109 appearances (1993-2013), Schwarzer anchored the goal for nearly two decades. The towering keeper featured prominently in the Premier League for Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea and Leicester City, making over 500 top-flight appearances. He was crucial in the 2006 World Cup run and saved penalties in qualifying shootouts. His longevity, shot-stopping and leadership earn him the No. 2 spot on many rankings.3. Tim Cahill Australia's all-time leading scorer with 50 goals in 108 caps, Cahill revolutionized the attacking midfielder role for the Socceroos. He scored in three World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014), including iconic volleys like the one against the Netherlands in 2014. At club level, he thrived at Everton, where his aerial prowess and work rate made him a fan favorite. Cahill's determination and clutch performances define Australia's "Golden Generation."4. Mark Viduka A powerful, skillful striker, Viduka captained the Socceroos at the 2006 World Cup and scored 11 goals in 43 caps. He enjoyed success at Celtic (winning the Scottish Premier League), Leeds United (Champions League semifinals) and Middlesbrough in the Premier League. Known for his hold-up play and clinical finishing, Viduka intimidated defenses and remains one of the most physically dominant Australian forwards.5. Mile Jedinak The midfield general led Australia with authority, captaining the side at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. Jedinak's set-piece expertise and tenacity shone at Crystal Palace in the Premier League and earlier at Middlesbrough. He scored crucial penalties in qualifiers and embodied resilience. His leadership during tough campaigns cements his legacy among modern greats.6. Mark Bresciano A creative midfielder with vision and technique, Bresciano earned 84 caps and scored 13 goals. He excelled in Italy's Serie A with Parma, Empoli and Lazio, and contributed to the 2006 World Cup quarterfinal push (though Australia exited in the Round of 16). His composure on the ball and international consistency place him high on all-time lists.7. Brett Emerton Versatile and durable, Emerton amassed 95 caps and played in three World Cups. He succeeded in the Bundesliga with Feyenoord and Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League. Known for his work rate, crossing and defensive contributions from midfield or fullback, Emerton was a mainstay of the 2006 squad.8. Craig Johnston Though born in South Africa, Johnston represented Australia after moving there young. He won the English First Division with Liverpool in the 1980s, scoring in the 1986 FA Cup final. His tenacity and versatility as a midfielder/forward made him a trailblazer for Aussies abroad in the pre-professional era.9. Johnny Warren A pioneer dubbed "Mr. Football," Warren played 1959-1974 and advocated tirelessly for soccer's growth in Australia. He captained the Socceroos and later became a broadcaster and historian. His induction into halls of fame and role in elevating the sport earn him a spot despite limited international exposure compared to modern players.10. Mathew Leckie A modern standout, Leckie continues to represent Australia with flair on the wing. He starred in the Bundesliga for Hertha Berlin and Bochum, and contributed goals at the 2022 World Cup. His pace, dribbling and consistency make him one of the best active Socceroos and a bridge to the current generation.These players span eras — from pioneers like Warren to Premier League icons and World Cup heroes. Their contributions helped elevate Australian soccer from obscurity to consistent World Cup qualification. As the 2026 tournament approaches, the legacy of these greats inspires the next wave of Socceroos.

2026-03-23