At Barcelona, a Feeling Worse Than Sorrow: Pity

The Camp Nou’s reaction to a humbling defeat in the Champions League was a measure of how far and how fast a mighty team has fallen.

Cristiano Ronaldo Is Back and So Is Manchester United

A star returns with two goals in a resounding victory, restoring a sense of confidence to a club accustomed to sure things.

Messi, Mbappé and Running Out the Clock

Lionel Messi moved to P.S.G. because Barcelona couldn’t stop him. Kylian Mbappé may have to stay put because his club holds all the leverage.

Ronaldo’s Return to Manchester United Is Nostalgic Pragmatism

After flirting with joining Manchester City, Cristiano Ronaldo will instead head back to the team where he became a star. The reality is, almost no other club could afford him.

Relief for Belgium Comes at Ronaldo’s Expense

A failed strategy sent defending champion Portugal out early at Euro 2020 and kept alive the title hopes of Belgium’s golden generation.

In Spain, Title Race Could Be the Start of Something Better

Atlético Madrid is positioned to lift the trophy in La Liga this weekend, but like Real Madrid and Barcelona, it should view the end of the season as an opportunity.