La Liga Daily Report - 2026-09-28: Aguirre unveiled as Valencia manager after Corberán dismissal

Javier Aguirre was officially presented as Valencia’s new manager on Monday, September 28, after Carlos Corberán was dismissed. The 67-year-old Mexican agreed a contract until the end of the season, with Valencia holding an option to extend it by a further year. The appointment marked Aguirre’s seventh Spanish club, following previous spells with Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, Real Zaragoza, Espanyol, Leganés and Mallorca. Valencia had lost five of their first seven league matches and were second-bottom, leaving Aguirre with an immediate task of stabilising a struggling side and reconnecting with supporters at Mestalla.

Aguirre said he had rejected four other job offers before Valencia made contact, but felt unable to turn down the club. He also set a clear short-term target, saying his goal was to beat Racing and that supporters were tired of messages without results. His emphasis on victories reflected the pressure surrounding the appointment, with Valencia needing points rather than a long rebuilding process. Aguirre’s experience in Spanish football gives him familiarity with the league, while the contract structure allows the club to review the partnership after the season before making a longer commitment.

Éder Militão took part in part of Real Madrid’s group training on Monday, September 28, as he continued his recovery from a serious left-leg injury. According to AS, the Brazilian defender joined his available team-mates while the squad began preparations for the next La Liga fixture against Villarreal. Militão has been out of competitive action for more than five months after rupturing the proximal tendon in his left leg on April 21. His return to group work represented a significant stage in the rehabilitation process, although he did not complete the entire session at Valdebebas.

Real Madrid are expected to manage Militão’s comeback carefully rather than rush him straight into competitive action. His progress nevertheless offers José Mourinho an important defensive boost, particularly with Madrid having suffered two defeats during the opening part of the campaign and sitting six points behind leaders Barcelona. Militão’s availability would strengthen the squad’s options at centre-back when he is fully fit, but Monday’s involvement pointed to continued rehabilitation rather than an immediate return to the starting line-up. Real Madrid’s next league assignment is against Villarreal on October 10.

La Liga president Javier Tebas renewed his call for tighter financial controls and greater transparency in football on Monday, September 28, following reports concerning Manchester City’s Premier League case. Reports indicated that City had been found guilty of 114 of 115 alleged financial breaches, although the proceedings remained ongoing and no final sanction had been determined. City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak insisted the club were innocent, while the club was expected to appeal. Tebas said the developments again showed why economic controls, transparency and consistent rules were needed to protect football’s integrity and long-term sustainability.

The intervention continued Tebas’s long-running criticism of what he has described as financial doping, particularly the influence of substantial external resources on European competition. He said his position was not an “I told you so” moment, but part of a broader argument for consistent oversight across leagues and clubs. The case remains separate from La Liga’s own competition, yet Tebas’s comments underline the Spanish league’s interest in financial regulation beyond its domestic borders. Any eventual ruling and sanction against City could intensify debate over how football’s governing bodies monitor club finances and enforce common standards.

Anthony Gordon said he felt his talent was not fully respected in England after joining Barcelona from Newcastle United this summer. The England international moved in a reported £69 million deal and made his competitive debut in August during Barcelona’s 5-2 victory over Elche. According to Chronicle Live, Gordon explained that his perception in English football influenced his decision to leave the Premier League. The forward had quickly established himself at Barcelona, registering two assists against Elche and adding three more across matches with Rayo Vallecano and Valencia.

Gordon’s start has strengthened Barcelona’s attacking options and coincided with a perfect opening league run of seven victories, according to the report. He also scored for England in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat by Spain at Wembley during the international break, maintaining his momentum away from club football. Barcelona’s investment therefore appeared to be producing an immediate contribution, while Gordon’s comments added a personal dimension to the move. His challenge now is to sustain that form in Spain and secure a lasting role in Hansi Flick’s side.

Voting for the 2026 Ballon d’Or closed on Monday, September 28, with the winner due to be announced at a ceremony in London on October 26. Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal were among the leading candidates as the final votes were submitted, alongside Rodri Hernández and Harry Kane. Mbappé finished the season as the leading scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League and became the World Cup’s all-time top scorer. Yamal’s prominence reflected Barcelona’s successful campaign and his growing influence at the Catalan club.

The outcome remained uncertain because the award considers more than individual scoring figures. Mbappé’s case was weakened by Real Madrid’s lack of collective silverware during his first season at the club, while the race was also shaped by consistency, titles and performances for national teams. RMC Sport journalist Arthur Perrot described the contest as “wide open more than ever before”. With journalists now having submitted their rankings, the debate shifts from campaigning to the wait for the official announcement. The result will determine whether Mbappé’s exceptional numbers finally deliver his first Ballon d’Or.