Real Madrid round-up: Courtois, CSKA, Vinicius, squad depth...
Ahead of their Champions League match against CSKA Moscow, we bring you up to date with all the goings on around Los Blancos...
The football comes thick and fast at this time of the season and as soon as Real Madrid's 1-1 draw against neighbours Atlético on Saturday was out of the way, thoughts immediately turned to the Champions League match in Moscow. We scan over the news related to the Bernabéu club...
To Russia with gloves
Thibaut Courtois was one of the few summer signings made by Julen Lopetegui and much has been made of his rivalry for the number one spot with Keylor Navas. Both stoppers have already had their opportunities to star this season and the Belgian keeper has been speaking to Belgofut about the importance of his feet to the success of the team:
"I'm not bad with my feet," Courtois explains. "Sometimes, I give a bad pass but I know that more goalkeepers, those who they say are phenomenal with their feet, commit more errors than me."
Don't believe him? Check this out for some proof.
Madrid's golden boy, Vinicius
The nominations for Golden Boy 2018 have been announced and one of Los Blancos' great hopes has made it onto the 40-player shortlist. Vinicius Jr - who made his "indescribable" debut in El Derbi - knows that a certain Kylian Mbappé may have a strong shout at picking up the award but being recognised in this company can only be good for the lad.
Dzagoev praises Madrid depth
Ahead of the second group game for Madrid, CSKA's Alan Dzagoev was one of those for the home side giving the press words to write. And the midfielder wasn't buying the 'weaker' tag being labelled on their opponents:
"They say that Madrid arrive with injuries but, for me, it seems as though they have a squad for two teams."
Dodgy start for CSKA
Much has been made of Madrid's poorish start to their LaLiga campaign - and it's certainly an interesting beginning to the season - but their Russian opponents are not having an easy time of it domestically either. After nine league matches CSKA sit fourth on 16 points having won just four of their games. Zenit lead the way on 22 points with only one loss and one draw to their name.
CSKA Moscow vs Real Madrid: game info
If you're unsure of how and where to watch the game then check this out.
Romania's best ref in charge: Ovidiu Hategan
See Modric, Ceballos, Kroos and the rest going through their paces.
Lopetegui's preview of the game (including Ramos' happy hamstrings)