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Xabi Alonso considers Real Madrid's performance in spite of their loss to Manchester City.

Real Madrid fell 2-1 to Manchester City in a tense Champions League clash at the Bernabéu, but Xabi Alonso praised his squad's relentless effort. Rodrygo's early strike gave Los Blancos hope, only for City's quickfire goals from a corner and penalty to flip the script in ten crucial minutes. Alonso's post-match words highlighted performance over the scoreline, signaling resilience amid mounting pressures.​ The Match Unfolds: A Tale of Two Halves Real Madrid burst out of the blocks, capitalizing on home advantage with Rodrygo's opener that set an aggressive tone against a City side known for their clinical finishing. Alonso noted the team's positive start and chance creation, but lamented defensive lapses during a pivotal ten-minute spell where City scored twice from set-pieces—a corner converted ruthlessly and a penalty dispatched with precision. Despite the reversal, Madrid pushed forward, generating opportunities but lacking the killer edge in front of goal, f...

Arsenal's injury issues are growing, with Mikel Arteta providing an update on Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal's 1-0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby was marred by rising injury fears, with Bukayo Saka perhaps joining an already long list of injured players.

Saka was taken off the pitch in the 86th minute due to what appeared to be a thigh ailment, and was replaced by teenager Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka receives medical attention during a Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024 in London, England.

After the game, Mikel Arteta said of Saka's injury, "I don't know. I made two substitutions to the front players, and now he's down. I'm not sure what it is, but he couldn't continue."

Arsenal's injury problems

A Saka injury would be a big setback to Arsenal, which already has a thin team.

Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice were ruled out of the encounter, with Odegaard nursing an ankle injury incurred while on international duty.

"Martin, we still need to wait and see. "He wasn't available today," Arteta stated of the Arsenal captain's status.

Oleksandr Zinchenko was another prominent absentee, missing due to a reoccurring calf ailment, while new recruit Riccardo Calafiori is also out with a calf/ankle injury sustained during Italian international duty.

Current Arsenal injury list:

Saka's likely injury raises concerns.

Saka's withdrawal from the match comes after a busy international period for the England star, prompting questions over his health ahead of the Champions League, which begins this week, and the trip to Manchester City next weekend.

The uncertainty surrounding his availability adds to the mounting list of challenges Arsenal is dealing with as the season begins.

Arsenal, who were without Rice due to suspension, shown defensive resilience in the 1-0 win, but injuries remain a huge problem as they look to sustain their Premier League momentum.

Arteta remains hopeful that key players will recover soon, but managing an injured group will be challenging.

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