Real Madrid round-up: Casillas, James, Coentrão, Cultural...
The former Real keeper spoke about Ronaldo's goal drought while Faustino Asprilla thinks he knows where his compatriot James will end up.
No penalties awarded in seven months
Real Madrid have not had a penalty awarded in their favour since March 20, when José Reyes brought down Luka Modric in a 4-0 victory over Sevilla at the Bernabéu. Cristiano Ronaldo missed from the spot on that day and hasn’t yet had a chance to try again as Real have gone 26 games without a spot kick. During the same period, Barcelona and Atlético have each been awarded eight penalties. Only three other sides haven’t had any penalties given in favour in the league so far this season: Alavés, Betis and Espanyol.
Casillas backs Ronaldo
The former Real keeper voiced his support for Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portuguese endures a barren run in front of goal: “He demands a lot of himself. He has delivered and he will continue to do so. He’ll score again soon, there are no doubts about that.” Ronaldo has only bagged twice so far in the league this season, his worst start to a campaign since he arrived in the Spanish capital in 2009.
James to the Eternal City?
According to Newcastle legend and all-round entertainer Faustino Asprilla, his compatriot James Rodríguez could be headed to the Eternal City. “I don’t know the details of his situation but if he isn’t playing he should find another team. Where do I see him? At Roma.”
A Cultural trip down memory lane
Real travel to León to play Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday in a repeat of a fixture last played in 1956. On that day, Roque Olsen opened the scoring on 69 minutes and opened the floodgates, Alfredo di Stéfano adding a second a minute later and Héctor Rial finishing the game off with two in the final 15 minutes.
Coentrão in line for a game
The Portugal defender, who spent last season on loan at Monaco, has been plagued by injuries but has been included in the squad to travel to León, where if he gets on the pitch he will make his first appearance for Real Madrid since May 9, 2015, when he played 45 minutes of the 2-2 draw against Valencia at the Bernabéu.