Theo, Llorente: Real fans rubbing hands together in anticipation
There was plenty of interest in the Copa del Rey final among us Real Madrid fans. After all, we were rooting for Alavés - it was now down to them whether Barcelona ended the season empty-handed or not. And on top of that, there was the presence of Marcos Llorente and Theo Hernández in the Basques' team.
Llorente and Hernández will be plying their trade at Real next season, and they look like superb additions to Zinedine Zidane's squad. If the pair's youth had caused anyone any concerns, they were comprehensively dispelled on Saturday. Both delivered superb performances - in a final against Barça, no less.
Casemiro will have stiff competition; Marcelo can at last be rested
Llorente showed for all the world to see that Casemiro is finally going to have competition in the anchorman role next term; indeed, the Brazilian is going to have to fight really hard for his place. Paco Gento's great-nephew won the ball back no fewer than 14 times. Watching from the stands, Spain coach Julen Lopetegui will have taken note, that's for sure. As will Zidane from his sitting room.
And what can I say about Theo's fabulous free-kick? It was a goal that spoke volumes for the quality possessed by a left-back who's going to be grabbing plenty more headlines in the future. Los Blancos will at last have few qualms about resting Marcelo.
The future's bright; I can't wait to see them both in the white shirt.