Inside Spain: Barcelona's disaster, Manchester United's desire, and Thiago Alcantara's future

Atletico Madrid have not beaten Barcelona away from home in La Liga since 2006, a nod to the Fernando Torres era, and have never been coached by Diego Simeone. So this was some way of announcing their title bid, as Los Colchoneros did on Saturday night, with a stoppage-time winner from Alexander Sorloth.

Barcelona lost 2-1, and after starting the weekend still in the lead, if Atletico and Real Madrid win their games in hand, they will move five and six points ahead of the Catalans respectively. Hansi Flick's side started the season brightly, but have managed just one win in their last seven La Liga matches, the worst record in the division during that time.

It seems unlikely that they will bring in reinforcements to help Hansi Flick as well. Amid salary cap issues that mean they are scrambling to sign Dani Olmo for the second half of the season, their focus is on ensuring he does not leave for free in less than two weeks. Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have been linked with exits over the past week, however Barcelona has eased away From suggesting a move to either of them, despite prior interest.

One player who could arrive at Barcelona is Thiago Alcantara – the recently retired Liverpool midfielder is able to rejoin Flick's coaching staff in January, having spent the pre-season with the German manager. Speaking of potential future Liverpool midfield masters, like Martin Zobimendi left the door open to move during this week's interview.

Former and possibly future Manchester United target is set to become available at the end of 2024 – Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta. It was revealed earlier this week that he had parted ways with Simeone over several recent signings, including Joao Felix. He has been linked with Old Trafford in the past. Across town, things have calmed down at Real Madrid despite the recent crises. Hence, it looks like they will not be in action in the January transfer window, despite their injury crisis at the back.

While there is still confidence in the Spanish capital that Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will be one of the team's stars next summer, the opposite can be said about Alphonso Davies. A month ago, it was considered a certainty, but several contradictory reports lead to one conclusion: no one really knows where Davis will end up. that it Good news for Manchester United Despite this, it looks like they will get a chance to put on a show for the Canadian star.

The place where the word crisis occupies a prominent place is in Valencia. They held an annual shareholders meeting during the week, but had to abandon it because the 300 minority shareholders made discussion impossible. They now face a potential legal challenge as a result. Meanwhile, club legend and manager Ruben Paraga is on very thin ice. The draw with Alaves, thanks to a 98th-minute equaliser, means Los Che sit second from bottom and at least four points away from safety heading into the winter break.

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