Champions League returns as FIFA prepares to release Ballon d'Or nominees

The 72nd edition of the UEFA Champions League begins today with a series of opening matches. The schedule includes Real Madrid facing Inter, Borussia Dortmund against Villarreal, Lille playing Betis, and Porto taking on Manchester City. FIFA is also set to release the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or this morning following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 season and this summer's World Cup. In domestic league news, Real Sociedad secured a win over Elche despite playing with ten men, with Sucic providing the decisive goal. Meanwhile, Getafe and Celta played to a draw, prompting criticism from Claudio Giráldez regarding his team's performance against a shorthanded opponent. Elsewhere, Álvaro Morata addressed his absence from the national team roster, and internal comments from Rodri regarding Valencia were highlighted in a recent media segment.

• 6:58 AMYahoo Sports — 5⃣ stories of the day: Ballon d'Or nominees, Rodri's criticism...