REAL MADRID
Real Madrid round-up: Odriozola, Gareth Bale, Rayo, Christmas sweaters
Santiago Solari prepares his men as thoughts turn from the midweek home defeat to CSKA in the Champions to the LaLiga game against Rayo Vallecano.
Real Madrid are back in domestic action again on Saturday as they welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Santiago Bernabeu (kick off 1830 CET).
Run Odriozola run
Wednesday's home defeat was not just the biggest reverse in the European Cup/Champions League but also the match-day of the current European campaign where Real Madrid ran the least distance. The team completed a distance of 104.12 km on the Santiago Bernabeu pitch which compared to match-day 4 in Plzen where the team completed 116.27 as part of their 0-5 win. The player who covered most ground on Wednesday was Alvaro Odriozola who managed to cover 11.5km on a disappointing evening.
Rayo in LaLiga
Struggling Rayo Vallecano are next up at the Bernabeu with Michel's men hoping to avoid a repeat of the last time they visited the Chamartin ground being on the wrong end of a 10-2 drubbing. Madrid need an impressive performance to erase the memories of Wednesday's painful defeat to Russian side CSKA in the Champions League.
Bale doubtful
Santiago Solari confirmed in the pre-match press conference that Welsh striker Gareth Bale is still a major doubt for the Rayo game. The Cardiff born player picked up an ankle knock on Wednesday and should he be ruled out of action, Real Madrid Castilla's Cristo is likely to be granted a call-up into the first team squad for the LaLiga clash against the men from Vallecas.
UAE bound
The Real Madrid squad are due to fly to the Emirates on Sunday morning as they hope to defend their FIFA Club World Cup title. Solari's men will discover who their semi-final rivals are tomorrow when Japan's Kashima Antlers face Guadalajara from Mexico. The semi will take place in Abh Dhabi on December 19th.
Christmas at the Bernabeu
It was inevitable, following the Christmas jumper boom in English football clubs, the phenomenon has moved to the continent with Real Madrid offering their very own offering for "Los Blancos" fans to sport during the festive season. Available now via the official club online store.
