Football news: Real Madrid's huge Arsenal boost as Arne Slot hits back at Liverpool claim

The season run-in is here and that means one thing: drama. On and off the pitch, tensions are rising as we approach the business end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Saturday sees the first weekend of football since the middle of March, with hoping that can do them a favour and beat in the early kick-off. Liverpool themselves aren't in action until Sunday, as they face before the main event: the .

boss is looking to beat for the third time this season, having done so with and in the reverse fixture. The Old Trafford fixture also marks final derby after at the end of this season.

The quarter-finals are on the horizon, too, with Arsenal set to take on in a mouth-watering first leg next Tuesday. Some of the biggest names in football will be on show at the Emirates - but there was a chance that they wouldn't be.

Here's a round-up of the biggest stories in football.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Real Madrid stars avoid ban for Arsenal clash

All four Real Madrid players who were the subject of a investigation will be allowed to face Arsenal. , , and were all probed following their behaviour against in the round of 16.

Rudiger and Mbappe have been fined €40,000 (£34,000) and €30,000 (£25,000) respectively and the pair have received suspended one-match bans. Ceballos has only been fined €20,000 (£17,000) while Vinicius wasn't subject to any punishment.

Read here.

Slot snaps back at Owen over 'bitter' Liverpool claim

has responded to claim that winning the Premier League title wouldn't be enough to satisfy Liverpool this season. Owen suggested that the Reds' recent defeats in the Champions League round of 16 and final would leave a 'bitter taste', despite dominating the English title race.

"Michael did play for us didn't he?" Slot told a news conference. "So he is aware of the fact that in 35 years we won the league once? There is your answer. If you can win the league with this club then, phew, nothing else matters I would say."

Read here.

Man City make fresh legal challenge with Arsenal in firing line

have dragged Arsenal into their legal battle with the Premier League. City's latest challenge relates to sponsorship rules, with the club arguing that attempts to amend them could be discriminatory.

In November, Premier League clubs voted by a margin of 16 to 4 to amend the rules on Associated Party Transactions. According to , City believe that rivals such as Arsenal would continue to boast an unfair advantage even with the changes put in force.

Read here.

and receive your daily dose of content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our