Diego Costa arrives at Madrid airport

UGC images show the aftermath of a strong explosion that rocked a building in central Madrid, leaving the street covered in debris. At least two people have died in what appears to have been caused by a gas leak.

Theatres, cinemas and concert halls remain open in Spain, despite soaring levels of Covid-19 infections. "I applaud the great efforts being made in this country to defend culture," Mexican tenor Javier Camarena told Madrid's Theatre Royal.

Spain: 'There are a lot of positives' - Atletico coach satisfied with 1-1 draw in Madrid derby

The rightwing leader of Madrid's regional government, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, resigns and calls a snap election. Diaz Ayuso said she was forced to end the coalition between her Popular Party (PP) and the smaller centre-right Ciudadanos that has governed Madrid since May 2019 to prevent Ciudadanos and the Socialists, who serve in opposition in the Madrid government, from tabling a no-confidence motion. "I can't allow Madrid to lose its freedom," Diaz Ayuso said, adding the snap polls would allow residents of the region to "choose between Socialism and freedom".

In many regions of Europe, pandemic contact restrictions remain tight. Authorities fear the spread of new coronavirus variants. But in the Spanish city of Madrid, things still seem to be easy-going. And word has gotten around – to tourists.

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With bars and restaurants open and its 11:00 pm curfew, Madrid has become a highly-prized haven for hoards of leisure-starved Europeans in a reality that has rankled residents who remain restricted from leaving the region.

Solomon Fowowe and Wale Adigun previews the El Clásico between Real Madrid vs Barcelona. The Saturday night's clash will have serious ramifications for La Liga's title race, with the Blaugrana poised to go top - at least temporarily - if they win.

In Madrid, heavily dependent patients with reduced mobility are being vaccinated with the single dose Janssen vaccine first. Soledad Holgado, a doctor in the Madrid region, says the single dose means "we are going to speed up the vaccination process".

Timo Werner and Mason Mount score to send Chelsea into a Champions League final where they'll meet Manchester City.

One of the major standout games on the La Liga calendar will take place at Camp Nou on Saturday as Barcelona welcomes Atletico Madrid for a huge match in the top flight of Spanish football. Barca is currently third in the table while Atletico is two points clear at the summit as the race for the title heads for its final straight.

FC Barcelona face Atletico Madrid this weekend, in a match that could see the winner crowned this year’s La Liga champion. With only four games left in the championship, the Catalan giants are trailing two points behind the leaders.