Real Madrid news: Cristiano, Salah, Lenglet, Mascarell...
Today's Real Madrid tidbits feature a potential signing, an explosive international meeting, memories of the 'Quinta del Buitre', and more.
Real Madrid tipped for Lenglet swoop
Real Madrid are making eyes at Sevilla defender Clément Lenglet, reports Okdiario, who say that Los Blancos view the as yet uncapped Frenchman, 22, as an attractive potential summer addition to their centre-back options. An affordable one, too: his release clause stands at 30m euros - loose change by today's standards...
Raphael Varane: We believe
In an interview with Men's Health magazine, Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane's sights appeared firmly set on savouring Champions League glory for a third straight season. "The team continues with confidence, with strength," said the 24-year-old, who in recent days has been linked with Manchester United in the UK media. "We know there is quality and experience in the group and we have faith that we will win titles this season, and continue to believe in our strengths."
After comprehensively dispatching Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16, the holders now face a last-eight tie with Juventus - in a repeat of the 2017/18 final - with the first leg in Turin on 3 April.
Mascarell's Real ambition: "I've got what it takes"
Real Madrid are set to activate a 4m-euro summer buy-back option on youth product Omar Mascarell, who has impressed at Eintracht Frankfurt since being sold to the Bundesliga club in 2016. And speaking to AS this week, the midfielder was certainly not short on the confidence required to make the grade at the Bernabéu.
"I reckon the progress I've made as a player in Germany is pretty big. There's no comparing the Omar of today with the one who played in Spain," said the 25-year-old. "I've come on a lot both physically and in terms of my play... I've improved in every department. I honestly feel I've got what it takes to play for Madrid."
Cristiano-Salah showdown as Portugal meet Egypt
Having netted 21 times in LaLiga since the midway point of the campaign, Real Madrid's on-fire striker Cristiano Ronaldo captains Portugal against Egypt tonight, in a friendly that sees him line up opposite a man with an equally voracious appetite in front of goal: Mohamed Salah, who has scored 28 in the Premier League in his debut season at Liverpool. Between them, the pair have 80 goals for club and country in 2017/18 (41 and 39, respectively).
On this day...
On 23 March 1986, Real Madrid beat Real Valladolid to end a period of six years without a LaLiga title, and wrap up the first championship won by the famous 'Quinta del Buitre' - a group of five academy graduates led by striker Emilio Butragueño, and also featuring Manuel Sanchís, Rafael Martín Vázquez, Míchel and Miguel Pardeza. Having topped Primera División from week six on, Los Merengues clinched the title when Jorge Valdano's late winner earned a 2-1 victory.