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Real Madrid and Barcelona's first La Liga matches postponed due to World Cup
via Le Matin1 min read
The opening La Liga matches for Real Madrid and Barcelona have been rescheduled due to the World Cup. Real Madrid, now managed by José Mourinho, was originally set to host Real Sociedad between August 15-19, while reigning Spanish champions Barcelona were to begin their season at Camp Nou against Athletic Bilbao. These fixtures have been postponed to August 26 and August 27, respectively. Consequently, both clubs will now start their seasons with matches originally scheduled for the second matchday: Espanyol Barcelona vs. Real Madrid on August 22, and Elche vs. FC Barcelona on August 23. Other rescheduled matches include Betis vs. Real Sociedad on August 21 and Athletic vs. Sevilla FC on August 22. Atlético Madrid, despite having several players in the World Cup semifinals, will play their first match against Malaga on August 19. The game between Celta Vigo and Osasuna, both of whom sent a forward to the World Cup with the Spanish national team, will proceed as planned on August 16. The La Liga season will officially kick off on August 15 with Alavés facing Getafe, followed by Sevilla FC against Rayo Vallecano.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Eighteen-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who gained recognition with LOSC and impressed at the World Cup with the Atlas Lions, is reportedly a target for Manchester City. According to The Athletic, Manchester City plans to make an offer in the coming days to acquire Bouaddi, who is considered one of Europe's most promising talents. While Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Manchester United are also interested, Manchester City is currently in the lead. The Athletic suggests an offer around 100 million euros would be needed to persuade Lille's management. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who had an exceptional World Cup, is attracting interest from European clubs. Turkish newspaper Fanatik reports that Fenerbahçe has made the Moroccan goalkeeper a priority for their summer recruitment and is preparing an offer for Al-Hilal. Juventus is also reportedly monitoring Bounou's situation, viewing the former Sevilla FC goalkeeper as a player who could bring experience and consistency to their defense.
Denza, a premium automotive brand from BYD, has launched in Morocco through Auto Nejma, introducing four distinct models and advanced flash charging technology. The brand originated in 2010 as a joint venture between BYD and Daimler, combining Chinese expertise in batteries and electric powertrains with German engineering and luxury. BYD fully acquired Denza in 2024, leading to its international expansion, including its arrival in Morocco. The Moroccan lineup features four models: the B5, a plug-in hybrid SUV starting at 629,900 DH, offering 80 km electric range and 780 km combined; the B8, a larger family plug-in hybrid SUV priced from 869,900 DH, with 100 km electric range and over 820 km combined; the D9, a premium plug-in hybrid minivan starting at 889,900 DH, providing 210 km electric range and up to 950 km combined, equipped with luxury features like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, individual tablets, and a refrigerator; and the Z9 GT, a grand touring model available as a plug-in hybrid from 1,075,000 DH 776 hp, 203 km electric range or a fully electric variant from 1,119,000 DH over 1,156 hp, 600 km WLTP range. A fifth model, the Denza Z supercar, is also announced. A key innovation is the Flash Charging technology, which allows for up to 500 km of range to be recovered in just five minutes, with charging power reaching 1,500 kW. Morocco is the first country in Africa and the Arab world to receive this technology, and early Denza customers will receive free ac
Must ReadThe World Bank Group and Morocco have jointly adopted a new Country Partnership Framework CPF for 2026-2035, outlining a ten-year strategy to transition Morocco's economy from public investment-driven growth to one fueled by private investment, innovation, and job creation. This long-term vision aligns with Morocco's New Development Model, focusing on enhancing competitiveness, improving human capital, reducing regional disparities, and increasing climate resilience. Nadia Fettah, Morocco's Minister of Economy and Finance, highlighted that the framework is structuring, aligning public and private financing, knowledge, and reforms around a shared vision for the Kingdom's future, with job creation for youth and women at its core. Ousmane Dione, World Bank Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan region, noted Morocco's remarkable progress but identified employment as a key challenge, citing a 37% youth unemployment rate in 2024 and a low female labor force participation rate of around 19%. The CPF addresses these issues through three pillars: strengthening business competitiveness by improving the business environment, stimulating competition, and facilitating SME access to finance; developing more inclusive, connected, and resilient territories by reducing regional disparities and improving infrastructure; and investing in human capital through support for education, health, and social protection reforms. The strategy emphasizes making the pr