Jan 4 (Reuters) - Barcelona's Dani Olmo and Pau Victor will be unable to play for the LaLiga side in the second half of the season, Spanish football authorities said on Saturday, rejecting the club's latest attempt to extend their registration.

Midfielder Olmo, 26, who helped Spain to European Championship glory last year, has been an integral part of Barcelona's team this season, while forward Victor, 23, has been largely restricted to substitute appearances.

Late strikes from Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham earned 10-man Real Madrid a 2-1 comeback win at relegation-threatened Valencia on Friday as the visitors moved top of the LaLiga standings.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were then reduced to 10 men in the 79th minute when Vinicius Jr was shown a straight red card for slapping Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

Vinicius red card vs Valencia

Ronaldo had a lot to say about everything in the soccer world, especially on the outcome of the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in on the highly controversial 2024 Ballon d'Or debate, expressing his belief that it was unjust for Vinícius Jr. to miss out on the prestigious award. 

The Brazilian winger, who had an outstanding season with Real Madrid, was expected by many to be among the top contenders for the coveted honor. However, Manchester City and Spain’s Rodri ultimately claimed the trophy, sparking controversy in the soccer community.

It was only a matter of time, folks.

Kylian Mbappé had yet another standout for performance for Real Madrid in their 4-2 LaLiga home win over Sevilla on Sunday, scoring the game-opener with an absolute screamer from outside the box.

Watch: Mbappé goal vs. Sevilla

The recently-turned 26-year-old received the ball from outside the box, looked up towards goal and hit a bullet at Álvaro Fernández’s goal to make it 1-0 just 10 minutes into the match.

Simeone always finds a way.

FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid had an exciting LaLiga title-race match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday, with Diego Simeone’s men getting an enormous win to officially take the lead as league-leaders.

Watch: Pedri goal vs. Atletico Madrid

DOHA — Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr was named FIFA men's player of the year in Doha on Tuesday, with Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati winning the women's award for the second year in a row.

Vinicius scored 24 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions to help Real Madrid clinch the LaLiga and Champions League double, and he also netted in their Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund.

The Brazilian won the award ahead of Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri and his teammate at Real, England's Jude Bellingham.

Mexican side Pachuca won the FIFA Challenger Cup match on penalties in Qatar on Saturday by edging Egyptian side Al Ahly 6-5 after a dour goalless draw following extra time and will face Real Madrid in next week's Intercontinental Cup final.

Pachuca won the shootout after missing their first two penalties to become only the second Concacaf team to reach the final of the competition against European champions Real, which takes place at the Lusail Stadium on Wednesday.

Real Madrid's French forward Kylian Mbappé has been diagnosed with an injury to his left thigh, the LaLiga club said on Thursday, making him a doubt for next week's FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.

Mbappé was replaced during the first half of Real's 3-2 win at Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday, having given his side the lead with a 10th minute goal.

Kylian Mbappé injury update