Breaking News: Real Madrid expelled from Copa del Rey

Real Madrid have been expelled from the Copa del Rey after they fielded the ineligible Denis Cheryshev in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Cadiz.

The Russian winger picked up three yellow cards in the competition last season while on loan at Villarreal - the third in the semi-final defeat to Barcelona - and was supposed to be suspended for the first game of this season’s Copa.

However, Madrid did not realise and Rafael Benitez, taking advantage of his squad, played him from the start against the third division side.

Cheryshev opened the scoring, but was taken off 45 second into the second half as word spread that he was not eligible to play.

Cadiz confirmed on Wednesday they had made a complaint to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) regarding Cheryshev’s involvement.

Leo Messi delighted with Stephen Curry's Warriors jersey

Barcelona star Lionel Messi revealed he received a very special gift on Friday - a signed jersey from none other than basketball great Stephen Curry.

The Golden State Warriors star sent Messi the jersey with the number 30 on the back, to celebrating reaching the milestone of 30 million Instagram followers.

And in a thank you note left on Facebook, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner promised he would return the favour in a cheeky message to Curry.

Pep Guardiola laughs off Real Madrid link

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has laughed off suggestions he could replace Rafael Benitez at Real Madrid.

Benitez is under pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu following their 4-0 Clasico humbling by Barcelona last month while speculation persists about a difficult working relationship with a number of the club's senior players, including Cristiano Ronaldo.

Madrid president Florentino Perez has publicly backed the former Liverpool and Inter boss but rumours persist that his days in the Spanish capital could be numbered.