Friday's football news served up a mix of European drama, domestic previews, and global tournament updates, setting the stage for a busy weekend on the pitch.

All eyes turn to La Liga as Real Madrid, with minds undoubtedly on their looming Champions League semi-final clash in Munich, face a tricky test against high-flying Girona. Jude Bellingham and the returning Eder Militao are set to start, as Carlo Ancelotti looks to fine-tune his side.

Meanwhile, Barcelona's frustration from their European exit continues to simmer. The club has lodged a formal complaint with UEFA regarding the refereeing in their loss to Atlético Madrid, specifically citing the Musso and Pubill incident, highlighting the intense emotions of the knockout stages.

In other European action, Spanish clubs had mixed fortunes. Celta Vigo's Conference League ambitions took a hit with a heavy defeat in Freiburg, while Rayo Vallecano keep their dream alive after a impressive victory over AEK Athens, proving the depth of competition from La Liga.

On the international stage, World Cup officiating news sees a Spanish presence confirmed. A Canary Islands official will be the only Spaniard with on-field refereeing duties, while Del Cerro Grande will take a seat in the VAR booth, showcasing Spanish expertise at the highest level.

Finally, across the Atlantic, the Copa Libertadores group stage is in full swing. All eight groups have now seen action after an opening matchday that delivered its fair share of surprises, reminding us that in South American football, anything can happen.