The world champions are having action in their clubs: this Tuesday, Lisandro Martínez and Alexis Mac Allister added minutes in the wins against United and Brighton.

It is difficult to leave the World Cup in Qatar behind, with all the hubbub it meant for the Argentine National Team . But soccer continued after the consecration of Diego Maradona in the Azteca and will also continue after the coronation of Lionel Mess i at the Lusail Stadium. Some of the 26 world champions already had action last weekend and others had the pleasure of returning this week, such as Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United) and Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton) , who started as substitutes but entered in the respective triumphs of their teams.

Mac Allister, on the Brighton bench (AP Photo/Jon Super)Mac Allister, on the Brighton bench (AP Photo/Jon Super)

While Lionel Messi has already arrived in Paris to join PSG , other world champions have already had action and good. On Sunday, January 1, Cuti Romero started as a starter in Tottenham's defeat against Aston Villa by Dibu Martínez, who was sitting on the substitute bench. In turn, Lisandro and Mac Allister , welcomed as heroes at their clubs, started on the bench but added minutes in the wins against United (3-0 against Bournemouth) and Brighton (4-1 against Everton), respectively. And the rest of the Scaleneta? Come and see...

"We only have Acuña, who is going to have to play because the numerical issue forces us. If not, he wouldn't be here either ," Jorge Sampaoli had declared, who did without Gonzalo Montiel and Alejandro Gómez, but did use the left back to visit Balaídos , in the 1-1 draw against Celta de Vigo.

Acuña, important in Sevilla in his post-Selection returnAcuña, important in Sevilla in his post-Selection return.

As always, he moved to the left in a defense with a line of three/five with him free to loosen up and go on the attack . They started down on the scoreboard, but the Egg was key to the final equality. In a play that seemed lost against the winger, he got rid of two brands and surprised with a tremendous right hand from distance that Marchesín was able to shoot for a corner with just enough. It was a bittersweet return.

The Yellow Submarine received Valencia, for the 15th date of La Liga. In the preview, both Juan Foyth and Gerónimo Rulli were honored by 23,000 fans present at La Cerámica . But in the 90's there was the greatest happiness: at 43' ST, the full-back won in the area and sealed the 2-1 victory for Quique Setién's men, who dream of Champions League places.

With the 1-1 still unbroken, Dani Parejo executed a corner kick from the left and Foyth, with a lot of intuition, ran to the far post to arrive alone, jump and win the dispute against the goalkeeper. Thus, with the agonizing celebration 2' from the end, the former Pincha not only gave Villarreal victory but also became the first world champion to score again.

Although his own teammates had already filled him with praise and applause, this Saturday the Etihad Stadium in Manchester vibrated and was moved by the arrival of the Spider. On his return after the World Cup in Qatar, Julián Álvarez received an ovation when the team entered the field of play . With the medal hanging on his chest, the 22-year-old striker raised his arms and received the affection of the Citizens.

However, for Pep Guardiola the return to competition was not entirely gratifying. With Haaland's goal, City drew 1-1 against Everton and gave Arsenal, the Premier leader, the chance to move away. Julián entered at 42 'ST and had few interventions: he touched seven balls and gave four passes, but he could never be in front of the goal to even shoot.

Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Otamendi were among the highlights of the Scaloneta in the World Cup. However, the midfielder and the Argentine defender received a slap in the face on their return to the Primeira Liga . Roger Schmidt didn't hold anything back and Benfica went to the Braga Municipal Stadium with the best, but Sporting was lethal and ended up taking a tremendous 3-0 victory

At the beginning, it seemed that the Glorious One passed him over: he controlled the ball and, with patience, began to approach the rival goal. But Sporting remained firm in withdrawing, closing the internal roads and was lethal in the face of the Odisseas arc . While Otamendi was the best of a weak defensive line, Enzo handled the ball, albeit well out of the danger zones.

At the Benito Villamarín, Betis drew 0-0 with Bilbao. And, in the preview, Guido Rodríguez and Germán Pezzella received recognition from their fans . Wearing training clothes (since Pellegrini decided not to use them) and with the medal on their chests, the Argentine soccer players took to the field of play amid a wave of applause.

On the other hand, at the Wanda Metropolitano, Atlético Madrid paid tribute to Rodrigo De Paul, Nahuel Molina and Ángel Correa. With the recognition of the fans, and also of their teammates, the three went out onto the field with the medal in their hair. The first two were in civilian clothes, since Cholo Simeone decided to do without them in the 2-0 against Elche. The only one who was available was the former San Lorenzo, although he remained on the substitute bench.

The next returns.

-Wednesday 1/4 : In Italy, Paulo Dybala 's Roma faces Bologna (12.30), Leandro Paredes and Ángel Di María 's Juventus (he was not called up due to a problem) visits Cremonese (14.30) and Lautaro Martínez 's Inter is measured against Napoli (16.45). And, in Spain, Sevilla plays with Linares (15), with the possible return of Papu Gómez and Gonzalo Montiel. In addition, the return of Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina could also occur , in Aleti's visit to Real Oviedo, for the Copa del Rey (16).

-Thursday 1/5 : Betis already competed again, but Guido Rodríguez and Germán Pezzella could do it again against Ibiza Islas Pitiusas, starting at 12, for the Copa del Rey.

-Friday 1/6 : PSG, already with Lionel Messi in their ranks, faces Chateauroux, at 5:00 p.m., for the French Cup.

-Saturday 1/7 : The return of Nicolás Tagliafico , after the World Cup consecration and his marriage, could take place in the cup duel against Metz, starting at 11:30.

Source.