Real Madrid officially announced on Thursday the call for presidential elections. Florentino Perez and other candidates have until May 23 to submit their candidacies.

The electoral challenge for Florentino Perez begins. On Thursday, Real Madrid formalized the announcement of elections made by the president during his press conference, officially opening the window for candidacy submissions.

Both Perez and those wishing to challenge him at the polls have until May 23 to formalize their candidacies. Enrique Riquelme, CEO of the energy group Cox, recently published a letter acknowledging that the current president has left little time to prepare, but he will announce in the coming days whether he will participate in this election.

The final stages of the process will depend on the number of candidates. If there is more than one, elections will be held, and the Electoral Board will announce the date and location of the vote. It is estimated that the elections could take place on June 7, allowing time for an electoral campaign.

On the other hand, if Florentino Perez is the sole candidate, the Real Madrid president will be re-elected in the days following the deadline for the sixth consecutive time. This would extend his mandate until 2030, marking 27 years at the helm of the club, including his first term from 2000 to 2006 and his current tenure, which began in 2009 after succeeding Ramon Calderon and interim president Vicente Boluda.

Members will be able to check their inclusion or exclusion in the electoral roll between May 14 and May 18, inclusive, either through the online member services office or at the stadium, with uninterrupted hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Madrid time). Additionally, if elections are held, postal voting will be made available for those who require it.

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Paris Saint-Germain have once again claimed the Ligue 1 title, defeating Lens in a decisive clash. This marks their fifth consecutive triumph and the third under Luis Enrique.

PSG continue to reign supreme in French football. The Parisian giants, a powerhouse in both European and global football, clinched their 14th Ligue 1 title on Wednesday. Luis Enrique’s side sealed the championship with a commanding 2-0 victory over their closest rivals, Lens, ensuring they remain uncatchable with one game left in the season. Goals from ‘Kvara’ and Mbaye secured the win and confirmed PSG as champions.

The Parc des Princes outfit faced stiff competition throughout the campaign. Lens, known as ‘Les Sang et Or’, emerged as fierce challengers in the title race. Few anticipated Pierre Sage’s team would push PSG so hard, even leading the standings at times. However, they ultimately couldn’t match PSG’s relentless form in the closing stages. Since reclaiming the top spot on matchday 23, PSG have been nearly flawless, recording eight wins and one draw.

Under Luis Enrique’s stewardship, PSG have led the table in 24 of the 34 rounds played so far. With one match remaining against Lens, the result is now academic. The team can shift their focus to the upcoming Champions League final against Arsenal, where they aim to secure back-to-back European titles.

It has been a dominant Ligue 1 campaign for ‘Les Rouge et Bleu’, who have amassed 76 points from 24 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses, scoring 72 goals while conceding just 27. This marks their fifth consecutive league title and the third for Luis Enrique, who becomes the first non-French manager to achieve this milestone. The only blemish on their domestic season was an early exit from the Coupe de France, where they were eliminated in the round of 32 by local rivals Paris FC.

Key figures

PSG’s triumph bears the distinct mark of Luis Enrique Martinez. The Spanish tactician, renowned for his possession-based philosophy, has once again captivated the Parisian faithful. In goal, the battle between Chevalier and Safonov was a talking point, with Safonov ultimately securing the starting role, though it remains a position of relative weakness.

A rock-solid defence has been the foundation of PSG’s success, featuring Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, and Nuno Mendes, alongside Zabarnyi and the two Lucas – Hernandez and Beraldo. In midfield, Vitinha has been the heartbeat of the team. The Portuguese maestro, Ligue 1’s top assist provider, is among the world’s elite midfielders, dictating PSG’s possession game. He has been ably supported by Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves, Zaire-Emery, and Mayulu, with rising star Dro Fernandez, formerly of Barcelona, also making an impact.

In attack, Luis Enrique boasts an arsenal of match-winners. Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, and Bradley Barcola lead the scoring charts with 10 goals apiece. The ‘Mosquito’ has flourished under Enrique’s guidance, as has Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian playmaker has contributed 8 goals and 4 assists in 27 Ligue 1 appearances. Meanwhile, Desire Doue and Goncalo Ramos have added their flair and finishing touch. Together, these five players account for 40 of PSG’s 72 goals, underscoring their dominance in French football.

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Manchester City’s second string eased past Crystal Palace 3-0 on Wednesday to climb just two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with two games remaining of a captivating title race.

Pep Guardiola made six changes from the side that beat Brentford 3-0 at the weekend, with Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku among those on the bench, while Palace boss Oliver Glasner also made tweaks.

First-half goals from Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush put Manchester City in control at a damp Etihad and a late strike from Savinho added gloss to the scoreline.

The tide appeared to have turned in City’s favour in the title race over recent weeks but last week’s costly 3-3 draw at Everton put Arsenal firmly back in the box seat.

The City players experienced the agony of seeing a stoppage-time equaliser for West Ham against Arsenal ruled out following a VAR check on Sunday as the Gunners battled to a 1-0 win.

City opened the scoring in style in the 32nd minute after Phil Foden produced an exquisite back pass to set up Semenyo, who finished coolly past Dean Henderson into the far corner of the goal.

They doubled their lead eight minutes later, with Foden again the provider, touching the ball to Marmoush, who celebrated his third Premier League goal of the season.

John Stones, departing at the end of the campaign, came on as a substitute towards the end of a forgettable second period to a rousing reception. Minutes later Rayan Cherki ran with the ball from his own half before setting up Savinho, who swept the ball past Henderson.

The three-goal win takes City to 77 points, two behind Arsenal. City now have a superior goal difference of plus one and have scored seven more goals.

City take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, gunning for a domestic cup double after lifting the League Cup earlier this season.

Before kick-off on Wednesday, Guardiola explained his multiple changes, saying: “When the schedule is so tight, everybody is fit, everybody needs to help.”

Despite the narrow gap, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal remain overwhelming favourites to win their first Premier League title since 2004.

If the Gunners overcome relegated Burnley next Monday, City must beat Bournemouth, who are chasing Champions League qualification, the following day, to keep the title race alive.

On May 24, the final day of the season, Arsenal travel to Palace while City, currently on a 14-game unbeaten run in the league, host Aston Villa. Foden said the title race was still alive.

“It’s a team game at the end of the day. If you want to win titles and trophies it’s about a full squad and everyone playing their part,” Foden told Sky Sports.

“The aim is to keep pushing and keep them on their toes. We’ve seen a lot of things can happen on the final day. “I’ve experienced it many times when the game doesn’t go your way. We just have to keep pushing and doing our part.”

Palace’s focus is on the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on May 27 – Glasner’s final match in charge of the south London club.

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