3 observations from Real Madrid’s 2-0 win vs Espanyol Real Madrid get the job done in a solid showing. Article by Hridyam : managingmadrid.com/real-madrid-cf…

Don't know how many times Real Madrid were able to recover the ball within a few seconds of losing it in that one sequence, but that Vinicius Jr finish makes everything else looks plain and simple. So cheeky.

Funny how so much talk went into Mastantuono's one-footedness when he first joined Real Madrid only for him to score his first goal with his weak foot. 😂 Not that those conversations were wrong, but a great finish anyway.

3 observations from Real Madrid’s 4-1 win vs Levante Real Madrid get the job done comfortably. Article by Hridyam : managingmadrid.com/real-madrid-cf…

Not a good start at all from Real Madrid. They are leaving too much space on the wings and Atletico are hurting them there in transition. Looking toothless in possession too. Atletico are aggressive as pressers and quick to fall back. Real Madrid don't seem comfortable.

Ozil-esque from Arda Guler. What a pass. Just what Real Madrid needed.

Franco Mastantuono would actually help Real Madrid massively in terms of linking up the midfield and attack. That's his speciality and it is needed in the second half. Bellingham will go off soon. They need to settle down defensively and cover gaps. Atleti are exploiting it.

A soulless second half from Real Madrid so far. They look awful going forward. No spark, Atleti have done well to limit everything. Asencio has not been good. At all. I'm assuming he's only on due to an injury. Real Madrid also have no answer for Julian Alvarez.

Seven wins in a row don't mean much when you get thrashed by your city rivals. Real Madrid were never really doing anything on either end, especially in 2nd half. Very, very passive, and Xabi Alonso's still got a lot of work to do. He was at fault, too. Top-to-bottom failure.

3 observations from Real Madrid’s 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid Real Madrid get thrashed. Article by Hridyam : managingmadrid.com/real-madrid-cf…

"Real Madrid’s defense was scathingly open, leaving gaps in the middle of the park as well as on the flanks. Real Madrid have played two games with 10 men this season, and it seemed like this may as well have been the third, because that is how much space they were offering to

Such a neat goal. Brilliant from Rodrygo, who should take most of the credit for it, soft touch from Guler and a really nice finish from Kylian Mbappe. Rodrygo's run was so crucial. Good stuff.

Rodrygo's been really impressive since coming on. The game needed a technical / high volume dribbler like him to calm things down and hurt Kairat's defense (which is why I think Alonso brought on Brahim on the other side too). One volume dribbler out, another in.

Back at the City Ground for Nottingham Forest's first home game in Europe in 29 years!

Feel like Real Madrid have improved defensively under Xabi Alonso, but they still need to figure out a way to break down low blocks. That was one of the challenges Alonso faced at Leverkusen too. He has the tools, but there should be more movement off the ball for this to change.

Mastantuono has been good. Seems unfazed by the pressure. He really gets into the game. Tries to make things happen, takes risks, and if they don't work, he's the first one running back to defend. Good talent.

On Jobe Bellingham watch as England U21s play Andorra U21s here at Pride Park.

Thiago Pitarch is back in the first team squad after a few weeks of impressive performances with Spain U20s. Would be nice to see him get a few minutes in Dani Ceballos' absence, but Real Madrid's midfield depth has largely returned, which will make it difficult.

An assist against Juventus five minutes into the game for Nico Paz.

Yet another injury in defense. Real Madrid's starting CBs vs Juventus will have to be Eder Militao and Raul Asencio, unless Alonso wants Tchouameni to play there.