Live Real Madrid Blog: Casemiro picks Cristiano Ronaldo over Luka Modric

Sport360 staff 23:00 20/09/2018
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  • Hola Madridistas!

    Real Madrid made an emphatic start to their Champions League defence on Wednesday night, thrashing last season’s semi-finalists Roma 3-0 at the Bernabeu.

    Goals from Isco, Gareth Bale and a second debut effort from Mariano wrapped up the points for Julen Lopetegui’s men.

    We’ll be bringing you all the key reaction throughout the day, and as ever, get in touch on Twitter and Facebook.

    7:00pm – Casemiro picks Cristiano Ronaldo over Luka Modric

    They might not be on the same team any more but Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro is tipping his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon D’Or award once again this year.

    The Portuguese superstar is in contention to win the award for a third year running after helping Real Madrid to a record third-consecutive Champions League title this May. He, however, faces stiff competition for the coveted prize from another Real Madrid star – Luka Modric.

    Read what Casemiro had to say on the subject here.

    Casemiro has picked Ronaldo as his Ballon D'Or favourite.

    Casemiro has picked Ronaldo as his Ballon D’Or favourite.

    6pm – Mariano Diaz dreaming of maiden Spain call-up

    Having made an instant impact in the Champions League for Madrid, Mariano Diaz is now targetting a maiden call-up to the Spain national team. The forward had previously represented the Dominican Republic in an international friendly against Haiti in 2013 but remains eligible to play for Spain which is the country of his birth.

    Read what Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo replacement had to say here.

    Mariano was on target in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Roma.

    Mariano was on target in Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Roma.

    1pm – In case you missed it, watch Real v Roma highlights

    12pm – Lopetegui reacts to Roma win

    Real Madrid's Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui looks on before the UEFA Champions League group G football match between Real Madrid CF and AS Roma at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 19, 2018. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

    Content: Los Blancos made a winning start in the Champions League.

    Watch the Real boss’s verdict, here.

    10.30am – Real Madrid player ratings

    Superb performance: Isco.

    How well did Los Blancos stars perform last night?

    Matt Monaghan ran the rule over the Whites.

    10am – New boy relishing No7 responsibility

    On target: Mariano.

    On target: Mariano.

    Mariano admitted the significance of wearing Real Madrid‘s cherished number seven shirt will continue to inspire him after he made a dream second debut for the club.

    Read more here.

    9.30am – Analysis: Real Madrid 3-0 Roma

    Read Alex Rea’s blow-by-blow account of Real’s opening Champions League clash at the Bernabeu.

    Gareth Bale

    On target: Gareth Bale.

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