Real Madrid round-up: Solari run, Modric gold, Bale injury...
Despite a couple of important wins, few believe that Los Blancos have truly turned the crisis corner, however, there are some positive signs.
A 0-2 Champions League victory in Rome. A 2-0 home win against Valencia. On the basis of that, some ardent fans would suggest that the crisis at the Santiago Bernabéu is over. Those that witnessed both games would disagree, but there are some green shoots of recovery at least visible now. Here's what's going on in and around Real Madrid...
Bale injury update
Madridistas once again had the chance to watch Gareth Bale leaving the field of play prematurely on Saturday. On Monday the medical team are carrying out further tests to get a gauge of how long the Welshman will be out although the expectation is that it is nothing serious.
While in the treatment room, Bale is likely to bump into other 'crocked' players Casemiro, Nacho, Kroos and Marcelo.
Solari's sweet run
Following the humiliation against Eibar the two games against Roma and Valencia were, on paper at least, very risky fixtures. Both results ended positively for Santiago Solari, and the next run of games should give him reason to build up a head of steam, and some much needed confidence in his side. Home to Melilla in the second leg of the Copa del Rey (already 4-0 to the good) will mean some pitch time for the fringe players. Then Los Blancos travel to Huesca in LaLiga, before welcoming CSKA Moscow and then Rayo to the Bernabéu for very winnable European and domestic games,
If Solari can come through these four matches with positive results, the team can head off for Club World Cup duties in a very positive frame of mind.
Madrid downtime
Following the win over Valencia, the players have been afforded two full days away from training. They will return to their preparations for the next games on Tuesday at 11:00 local time but in the meatime, some of the stars have been sharing their lives on social media as you can see here.
Ramos and Pérez support Modric
There is a strong feeling around that Real Madrid and Croatia's Luka Modric is going to win the Ballon d'Or 2018 award. And club captain and president are heading to Paris to be in position to clap their man if he tops the France Football award. One old friend that they will reportedly not be shaking hands with is Cristiano Ronaldo, who doesn't enjoy second place.
The factory
Saturday's LaLiga win has been highlighted by several commentators as a success for Madrid's academy, La Fabrica. Important roles played by Marcos Llorente, Sergio Reguilón, Lucas Vázquez, Javi Sánchez, and of course Dani Carvajal, all helped the cause, giving more reasons for optimism.
Plenty more Real Madrid news here.