Thibaut Courtois and Fede Valverde both left the Vallecas Stadium with muscular problems after Real Madrid’s frustrating 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. It was one of those matches where Madrid looked like they brought possession but forgot the finishing boots at home. π
According to reports, Courtois is dealing with an overload in his right thigh, while Valverde picked up discomfort in the adductor of his right leg. Dean Huijsen, who was subbed off at half-time, was fine Xabi Alonso just made a technical change.
Despite the pain, Courtois still managed to finish the match like a soldier. πͺ He’s now awaiting an MRI to know if he can feature for Belgium in their last 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein. Valverde’s issue? Same old story that recurring pain he felt against Liverpool at Anfield earlier this year came knocking again. Uruguay will be hoping he recovers quickly ahead of their friendlies against Mexico and the United States.
Let’s just say Real Madrid’s physio room might be louder than a Lagos bus park right now. π
π Across Europe — Weekend Highlights (Nov 10, 2025)
While Los Blancos were struggling in Spain, the rest of Europe was on fire! π₯
⚡ Manchester City 3-0 Liverpool — Doku the Destroyer!
Erling Haaland missed an early penalty at the Etihad, but no wahala the big man made up for it moments later with a clinical strike. Nico Gonzalez doubled City’s lead before Jeremy Doku wrapped things up with a brilliant solo effort that left Liverpool’s defense spinning like they were searching for network. ππ±
Doku was unstoppable electric pace, silky dribbles, pure entertainment. He walked away with the Man of the Match award and probably a few Liverpool defenders’ pride. π
Guardiola’s boys look untouchable right now. If you blink, they’ll score three.
π Brentford 3-1 Newcastle United Bees Sting Hard!
Brentford came buzzing with full energy as they shocked Newcastle 3-1. Their front line pressed like rent was due, and Newcastle just couldn’t handle the tempo.
By the time the Magpies tried to react, Brentford had already packed their three points and gone home smiling. These Bees no dey joke this season proper mid-table warriors with top-6 dreams. π
π¦ Crystal Palace 0-0 Brighton A London Stalemate
No goals, no gist, just vibes. Palace and Brighton played out a quiet 0-0 draw not one for the highlight reels. Still, Palace’s young defender Jaydee Canvot impressed with a composed performance that might just earn him a spot in next week’s headlines.
Sometimes, you take your one point and move on. At least the fans got home early for dinner. π²
⚽ What It All Means
Real Madrid will be sweating over Courtois and Valverde’s test results two key players facing fitness doubts before a crucial run of fixtures.
Manchester City are sending a loud message to every Premier League rival: “We’re still the kings.” π
Brentford’s win shows small clubs can still shake the big boys when the fire is right.
And for Palace & Brighton, it’s just one of those games no drama, no worries.
π Final Whistle — Naija Takeaway π️
This football weekend gave us everything: goals, drama, injuries, and unexpected heroes. From Doku’s brilliance in Manchester to Madrid’s muscle mayhem in Spain, fans around the world had plenty to talk about.
For Real Madrid fans prayers up π. For Premier League watchers buckle up, the title race just got hotter. And for Naija fans at the viewing centers? Abeg, hold your remote well, because the next round of matches go loud! ππ₯
#LaLiga #PremierLeague #RealMadrid #Courtois #Valverde #ManCity #Liverpool #Brentford #Newcastle #NaijaFootballVilla