Hello one and all – welcome to our Real Madrid blog, where you’ll be updated with all the latest rumblings from the Bernabeu as Los Blancos get set to take on Leganes tonight (UAE: 22:45).
Make sure to keep checking back in with us throughout the day. Let’s get started …
21:55 – Thibaut Courtois makes starting XI against Leganes
Courtois is set to make his La Liga debut for Madrid.
He starts between the sticks while Keylor Navas drops to the bench.
📝 TEAM NEWS | Here's your starting XI for tonight's match against @CDLeganes_en! VAMOS!!! #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/GngqTSDFwv
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 1, 2018
20:25 – Mariano unfazed by taking on Cristiano Ronaldo’s No7 shirt
The 25-year-old has taken on the iconic number seven shirt last worn by Cristiano Ronaldo who left for Juventus in the summer.
In this video, he reacts to taking on the jersey.
Back at home: Mariano Diaz.
17:45 – Ronaldo agrees deal to buy Valladolid
According to reports, Real Madrid and Brazil legend Ronaldo has reached a deal to buy 51 per cent of La Liga club Real Valladolid.
El Norte de Castilla, a regional daily based in Valladolid has made the claim, citing “sources close to the operation.”
Ronaldo has reportedly paid €30 million with the deal set to be done next week.
Brazil legend Ronaldo
13:50 – Thibaut Courtois in line for Real Madrid debut
Former Chelsea keeper has had to bide his time behind Keylor Navas at the Bernabeu but the waiting is over, according to reports.
12:00 – One striker in, one striker out as Borja Mayoral joins Levante
There was no space for Borja Mayoral in Julen Lopetegui’s squad after Mariano made his return from Lyon.
However, the 21-year-old believes there is still a future for him at the club when he completes his season-long loan at Levante – read his thoughts here.
11:00 – Mariano Diaz a curious fit and Isco needs to show form
Chris Bailey has written a rundown on some of the key storylines ahead of Real’s clash with Leganes – including whether Mariano Diaz, the new No7 in the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era, is the right fit.
There’s also reason to believe Isco needs a big display – read more here.
