Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has taken off from the Madrid derby match on Saturday following a groin problem.

The Welsh star was taken off at half time, having played for 45 minutes in the goalless draw against Atletico at the Bernabéu.

According to the Spanish giants coach, Lopetegui, he made it known that the forward will undergo a further assessment to know the extent of his injury.

The coach said they had to take precaution at halftime by withdrawing Bale, after having discomfort in his adductor.

Gareth Bale will be missed much by the Welsh team as he is a key part of the squad who will play Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League.

Real Madrid will play CSKA Moscow on Tuesday in their second game of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League.

MY THOUGHTS

I just hope Gareth Bale is not out for long, as both Real Madrid and Wales can't afford to have him out.

With the current form of Real Madrid, they really need their stars together to change their negative form.

Also, the superstar scored against Republic of Ireland last time both team met. He's just a crucial player in the squad, and Ryan Giggs will be hoping he's match fit before their game.



Written by - Oladayo Bamidele
Image Credit - Wikimedia Commons.

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Real Madrid will take on Atletico Madrid in the first Madrid derby of the 2018/19 La Liga season.

Real Madrid who lost to Sevilla during midweek game will have to tidy things up by putting up a great performance against an impressive Atletico Madrid side.

The Santiago Bernabéu side lost a host of players to injury before and during the midweek game, and will be looking forward to having some of them in their starting line up against their city rivals.

Atletico Madrid will go into this game with great confidence having won their last two games in La Liga, and scoring five times in the process.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have dropped five points in the league so far this season.

MY THOUGHTS

This is really going to be another tough fixture for Real Madrid, who lost against Sevilla on Wednesday. The team is looking not so sharp, especially with the absence of some key players.

Many fans have started saying Lopetegui is not fit, but that is never the case. He is a new manager, and it will take some time for the players to fully key into his philosophies.

The absence of a figure like Cristiano Ronaldo is also being missed, we shouldn't deceive ourselves. However, Real is still the team to beat despite the form, new manager and absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Atletico Madrid will definitely get a tough game tomorrow.



Written by - Oladayo Bamidele
Image Credit - Wikimedia Commons.

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Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius who is on loan at Turkish side Besiktas has said he has nothing against Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos after appearing to elbow the goalkeeper.

He however said the Spanish international never apologized to him since the Champions League final in May.

Karius made two errors that cost Liverpool two goals in the match which they eventually lost 3-1 to Real Madrid.

After the incidence, the German goalkeeper never got the confidence of his manager Jorgen Klopp, and has been sent out on a season-long loan to Besiktas to gain more confidence.

The goalkeeper refused to admit if the elbowing was intentional or not, but rather, the shoy-stopper is trying to cope.

He also maintained that the Real Madrid defender has not apologized to him since then.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper has made three appearances for Besiktas since his summer loan move to the Turkish side, conceding once in the three matches.

WRITER'S OPINION

Loris Karius should just move on after the incident.

The elbowing has been debated by many pundits after the incident. While many believe it wasn't intentional, many also have the view it was intentional.

It was a hot final match, and all the players were so emotional during the match - it's Champions League final after all. Ramos, couldn't have done that intentionally.



Written by - Oladayo Bamidele
Image Credit - Big World News.

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Real Madrid boss, Julen Lopetegui has admitted that his players were tired following his side's 1-0 victory over Espanyol on Saturday. 

Spain international Marco Asensio scored the only goal of the game few minutes before the break to give the Bernabéu side a victory that sent them top of the league.

According to the manager, Real Madrid's performance on Saturday against Espanyol was not up to their level as he cited tiredness as the cause of this following their mid-week's Champions League win over Roma.

"They are three important points from a complex and difficult match," Lopetegui said, as reported by Marca.

"We lacked energy in the second half and lost control. There was fatigue because we played two demanding games in three days.

"Espanyol played well and were well organized, and we knew it would be difficult.

"We made the Asensio goal profitable."

Real lost several chances to increase their lead. Espanyol showed a great spirit to worsen matter for Los Blancos.


Writer's Opinion

It was a fight to finish for both sides, although Real Madrid had a lot of chances to kill the game, but none were close to do the job.

It was another impressive performance by Marco Asensio who has been in the limelight this season. He showed he could be star against a team he has previously played for.

I won't but mention the congested fixtures, but that can't be helped, maybe it's time Lopetegui start giving rotation of squad a serious thought. Real Madrid has the squad to carry out the duty.


Written by - Oladayo Bamidele.
Image - Wikimedia Commons.

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Tuesday brought another interesting and entertaining games of UEFA Champions League with different thrilling games played on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Different records were set during these games, from Iker Casillas' extending his appearance to Lionel Messi's hat-tricks, Cristiano Ronaldo's red card and Sergio Ramos' yellow card record.

Sergio Ramos made the headlines on Wednesday night for the wrong reason as he became the most booked player in the history of UEFA Champions League following his yellow card in the 23rd minute of Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Roma.

Sergio Ramos has now beaten former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes' 36 yellow to record 37 yellow cards in the competition.

Goals from Isco Alarcon, Gareth Bale and Mariano Diaz secured a 3-0 victory for the Spanish giants in their opening game against Roma.

Written by - Oladayo Bamidele.
Image Credit - Wikimedia Commons.

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Real Madrid youngster Vinicius Junior has been banned by the club from speaking to the media according to reports by Daily Mirror. 

The 18-year-old forward who joined the Spanish side from Flamengo this summer for €45 million is yet to make an appearance for the senior team.

He has played three games for Real Madrid's B side Castilla, scoring three times in the process.

According to the same source, the reason for this ban is to protect the Brazilian from media in order to make him focus on football.

The reports further state that the youngster is not allowed to participate in games that are too physical as they don't want him to get hurt.

He is been monitored and watched closely by Real Madrid manager Lopetegui and other coaching staff of the team.

Written by - Oladayo Bamidele.
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Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has declared that the Spanish club have been calmer since the departure of the former club superstar Cristiano Ronaldo during the summer transfer window. 

The Wales international while speaking with Daily Mail said the team have become a little relaxed since the departure of Portugal international superstar to Juventus.

"It's obviously a little different without such a massive player, maybe we're more relaxed," he said.

"I think we play more as a team, we work more as a unit than as a single player."

Since the start of the season, Gareth Bale has gone on to score three goals in four appearances for Real Madrid.

The Bernabéu side have gone on to win all their matches this season with the exception of last week's draw against Athletic Bilbao.

Written by - Oladayo Bamidele
Image Credit - Wikimedia Commons.

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Spanish giants Real Madrid are equipped with £330 million to spend on transfer next summer, with the club having the intention of signing PSG superstar duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. 

The European champions are looking to continue their dominance in world football, as they are looking forward to replacing their former star Cristiano Ronaldo who was sold to Juventus during the summer.

Spanish news publication AS maintained that the Bernabéu side have €190 million in bank to spend on players as well as the ability of getting €182 million in credit.

The Spanish side were unable to get their replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo this summer having missed out on signing Neymar, Hazard and Mbappe. With that amount in chest, the European giants will look to sign their targets next summer.


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Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has given out his word for tennis star Rafael Nadal to one day succeed him as president of the club. 

Nadal who has been supporting the club for a very long time was giving a honorary member in 2014 and was an influence in signing Marco Asensio.

According to El Confidencial, Perez said, "Nadal would be a magnificent choice for the presidency of Real Madrid.

"Nadal is one of the best ambassadors of Real Madrid in the world."

Meanwhile, the tennis star has previously stated his intent on becoming the president of the club.

The tennis number one once told AS that he is open to becoming the president of the team, as he really loves the team.

Rafael Nadal is currently tennis world No. 1, having won Wimbledon twice, US Open three times, French Open eleven times and Australian Open once.


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Real Madrid defender and Brazil international Marcelo Viera has admitted to tax fraud as well as accepting a four-month suspended jail sentence. 

According to reports, the fullback defrauded Spanish authorities of €490,000. This they said he did by using a a third-party foreign firm to handle his earnings.

Aside the suspended jail term, the 30-year-old is also expected to pay €750,000 fine.

According to reports from Spanish media outlets, the Real Madrid star admitted to to fraud, which made him receive a reduced fine as well as the fine.

According to Spanish law, a two-year sentence for a first offence can be served on probation, and he's unlikely to spend any time in jail.

Marcelo is one of many footballers in Spain facing legal battles with the Spanish tax authorities, among of which are Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar.


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Real Madrid midfielder and World Cup star Luka Modric is open to a possible move away from the club to Italian giants Inter. 

The Croatian who is currently with his national team is said to be of great interest to the Italian side who chased him all through the summer. And according to reports by Sportmediaset, the Croat is said to be in contact with his Croatian teammates at Inter.

He is in the last year of his contract at Real, and could move away before summer. Convincing Florentino Perez to release the star midfielder will however be the problem.

With a new rule to Champions League, he can play for Real Madrid and as well play for Inter if the move to the Italian side materializes.


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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is reported to be unhappy with the way he's being treated by Chelsea fans following his transfer to Real Madrid this summer. 

The World Cup golden glove winner said his move to Real Madrid has been on the line since March.

He faced backlash from Chelsea fans when he failed to return for training earlier this season in what can be likened to an attempt to force a move away from the English side.

"It makes me feel sad. Obviously they don't know all the truth," he told reporters following Belgium's win over Scotland.

"I think in March the decision was already made and I thought the club would accept it.

"Then because the transfer was close I didn't show up for training because I thought it was better not to disturb the squad. I didn't want it to be toxic.

"Obviously it's a pity because I love Chelsea. I loved playing there."

MY OPINION

Thibaut Courtois before his move to Real Madrid was regarded so much by Chelsea fans - this you could tell with vigorous jubilation when he won the 2018 World Cup Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

His transfer to Real Madrid was seen by many as a betrayal of their trust for them, especially when he's left with just a year on his contract.

Many felt his transfer should have commanded a huge fee, and because he has stalled on signing a new contract, of which they blamed him for.

What infuriates many was the fact that they felt he was also trying to force move away for their idol Eden Hazard.

Thibaut Courtois should just get over it and move on, every great players move on at a particular point in their career.

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Manchester City are not prepared to let go of Brahim Diaz, as it is reported that they will do all they can to prevent the Spain international from moving away from the club. 

Diaz meanwhile is in the final year of his contract and refuses to sign a new contract largely due to lack of playing time for the Manchester City senior squad.

According to James Robson of the UK Evening Standard, several top European clubs are monitoring the contract situation of the 19-year-old, with Los Blancos topping them all.

The youngster might find playing time a little bit difficult in Manchester City, considering the high numbers of superstars and rising stars in the club set up.

The Spanish youngster made his senior debut for Manchester City lady season, coming off the bench to play a total of 50 minutes for the English champions. While he hasn't played a minute of football for Manchester City senior team, he however featured well during their pre-season games.

My Opinion

There's is no doubt about the quality of this youngster. However, with crops of youngsters with similar or superior qualities in Manchester City youth set up, he might find it difficult to break into the first team.

Real Madrid as well boast of youths of great qualities, no doubt. Diaz joining up will be more or less the same thing with Manchester City. Breaking into Real Madrid first team is one of the most difficult thing for any youngster.

The difference however will be the philosophy of the managers. Lopetegui is one man who believes in youngsters and the talents he has at hand.

Who knows, he might have more first team game time with Real Madrid than with Manchester City.

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Real Madrid star Luka Modric has played down controversies between Cristiano Ronaldo and himself, saying the World Best Player sent him a congratulatory text message. 

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Marco Asensio turned down the vacant no. 7 jersey left by Cristiano Ronaldo following his departure to Juventus. 

According to Spanish news outlet COPE, the 22-year-old turned down the chance of wearing the iconic jersey, with the jersey later handed over to Mariano Diaz who was re-signed from Lyon.

The jersey number became vacant following Cristiano Ronaldo's surprise move away from Real Madrid to Juventus having wore the jersey for eight of the nine years he spent at the club.

Asensio remains one of the brightest talent in Europe currently as he has shown this with his style of play and maturity while on ball and pitch. He is expected to have more playing time now that Ronaldo is no longer with the team.

He is currently wearing the no. 20 shirt.


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Marcelo has dismissed recent transfer rumor linking him to Juventus away form Real Madrid. 

The fullback has assured Real Madrid fans that he is going nowhere as he wants to end his career with the European Champions.

There were reports earlier this week that the fullback wants a move away from the Spanish capital to Juventus. He has however dismissed such claims.

"It's an element which is hardly worth discussing. I'm very happy at Real Madrid, it's my home and I've got many years left on my contract," he told Real Madrid TV.

The defender insisted he's happy at Real Madrid and that the club still remains the best in the world.

"I'm very happy here, it's the best club in the world and I always want to play for the very best."

He insisted he doesn't have any plans on ground or future plans to leave Santiago Bernabéu.

"I want to be in Madrid for many years. I'm very calm about it all, and I want to continue at Real Madrid. Lots of people hide behind social media to spread ridiculous rumours and cause problems where they don't exist.

"I'm as hungry as when I'm 18 years old, and I want to be here until the very end."

The 30-year-old joined Real Madrid from Brazilian side Fluminense in 2007, and has since won four Champions League titles.

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UEFA yesterday published the squad lists for the 32 teams that will be participating in the group stage of the Champions League for 2018 - 2019.

Real Madrid will be looking forward to defending their last season triumph as they defeated Liverpool in last season's final.

Here, we bring you the squad list for Real Madrid.

Goalkeepers
Keylor Navas, Thibaut Courtois, Kiko Casilla, Luca Zidane.

Defenders
Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Dani Carvajal, Jesus Vallejo, Nacho, Marcelo, Sergio Reguilon, Alvaro Odriozola, Adri, Javier Sanchez, Sergio Lopez.

Midfielders
Isco Alarcon, Casemiro, Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos, Toni Kroos, Marcos Llorente, Fede Valverde, Franchu, Jaime Seoane.

Attackers
Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, Vinicius Junior, Mariano Diaz, Cristo Ramon, Gonzalez Perez.

Real Madrid will face CSKA Moscow, Roma and Viktoria Pizen in this season's group stage of the competition.

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Spanish giants Real Madrid have today confirmed the squad list for the group stage of this season Champions League. 

The surprise in the team is the inclusion of Brazilian youngster Vinicius Jr. The attacker was signed last summer from Brazil side Flamengo for a fee of around 46 million Euros. The move however was completed this summer having clocked 18.

Regarded as one of the most amazing young talent in the world, Vinicius has showed the world what he is capable of during Real Madrid's B-side Castilla derby clash with Atletico Madrid last weekend.

The youngster is training with Madrid senior side, and could be ready for the senior team.

Trust me, this guy is the star to watch out for.

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he is enjoying the competition with teammate Keylor Navas after making his debut against Leganes. 

The shot stopper completed a move to the Spanish side this summer, after stalling on signing a new contract with Chelsea.

He maintained that he has a good relationship with Keylor Navas.

"Keylor Navas and I get along very well... Sometimes I see that the Press want to look for controversy, but we're competing very well and always training to the fullest.

"When you come in so late, it's not easy to integrate. Lopetegui told me yesterday that I was going to play.

"Competition makes you give more of yourself. There's competition in every position at the best club in the world."

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