Real Madrid round-up: Ramos, Marcelo, Florentino, Villarreal

Ramos the gift-giver

Following the handball incident last night that gave Villarreal the penalty it's worth noting that Sergio Ramos has given away more 12-yard gifts in the Spanish top flight than any other player since the turn of the century. The count stands at 15 in LaLiga but already this season the defender has provided three in seven games, including other competitions.

Ramos the goal-getter

The headed equaliser last night took Sergio to 46 league goals putting him level with Roberto Carlos as the joint-third top goalscoring defender. Two of his total came while at Sevilla before his move to the Madrid side. Ronald Koeman is some way ahead of the Sevillian with 67 and way out in front is the impressive Fernando Hierro with 105 league goals.

Marcelo Dortmund doubt

After being substituted just before half-time last night the Brazilian left back Marcelo will go through some checks to determine whether his injury will keep him out of next week's Champions League tie in Germany. Getting something from that game against Dortmund could go a long way to securing top spot in the group and Zidane will be hoping for a full strength squad to choose from.

Chendo sees red

Real Madrid match delegate Miguel Porlán Noguera, known as Chendo, was reprimanded by referee González González in the final seconds of the game against Villarreal and sent to the changing room early. The decision was for confronting the fourth official and screaming, "this is shit! Send me off if you want."

Operation Florentino

The title does not refer to a new transfer policy, commercial activity or presidential voting restructure. Instead it is literally that the Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez was absent from last night's game due to having a minor operation which had been scheduled for some time. In his seat in the director's box was VP Eduardo Fernández de Blas. With Madrid losing their 100% run, is it possible that the president is Zidane's lucky charm?