Real Madrid round-up: Mariano, Rodrygo, Figo, Champions League
Today's Real tidbits feature Los Blancos' lowly place in the Champions League betting, Rodrygo Goes on his club-to-be, and more...
Real Madrid down in sixth in Champions League betting
Despite thumping Roma 3-0 in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, Real Madrid remain just sixth favourites to lift Europe's top club trophy this year, with the bookies offering an average of €8.87 per euro placed on Los Blancos, winners of the tournament's last three editions. They are behind Manchester City, Barcelona, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Liverpool in the betting.
Figo praises Real display against Roma
Former Real star Luis Figo was impressed with the side's showing in their dominant win over the Giallorossi, declaring: "They played really good stuff and, both individually and collectively, you have to be happy with their performance."
Fans want Mariano Díaz up front on Saturday
In the wake of his fine debut goal against Roma in midweek, Mariano Díaz has been overwhelmingly backed by AS.com readers to play in place of Karim Benzema in LaLiga on Saturday. The 25-year-old Real academy graduate, who was re-signed from Lyon this summer, was given the nod by 77% of those who responded to the question "Who should start against Espanyol, Mariano or Benzema?".
Rodrygo out to emulate Cristiano at Real
Santos starlet Rodrygo Goes, who is to join Real Madrid in 2019, has spoken to FourFourTwo about his forthcoming arrival at the Bernabéu. "I'm very proud to have signed for the biggest club in the world," he said. "I want to be ready as soon as possible to make a big impact." Asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's summer exit from Real, he said, "It would have been a pleasure to play with him," adding: "I want to follow in his footsteps."