/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19279783/172545456.0.jpg)
- According to Forbes, Real Madrid is now worth $100 million more than what they were valued at in April. Real Madrid's official website has compiled a video to highlight the club's financial standing.
- ESPN's resident Real Madrid blogger Nicholas Rigg has welcomed the possible returns of Raphael Varane and Asier Illaramendi after both players spent the preseason rehabilitating their respective injuries. Rigg believes that Ancelotti may continue fielding Pepe rather than rushing back Varane, but argues that Xabi Alonso's metatarsal injury could mean a wealth of minutes for Illaramendi if Carletto chooses Illara over Sami Khedira. In Rigg's opinion, Luka Modric is a guaranteed starter.
- Pepe has praised Cristiano Ronaldo's character, work-ethic and dedication following Ronaldo's hat-trick against Northern Ireland in a qualifier match. According to the center-back, "Ronaldo is a Portuguese symbol. Because of the goals he has scored for Portugal and for his clubs, he is a player that will leave a great mark in football."
- Real Madrid has not issued an official press release on the status of Cristiano Ronaldo's, Isco's and Marcelo's injuries. Today, Cristiano Ronaldo did some light jogging around the training pitches while Isco and Marcelo were treated indoors. Marca believes Cristiano Ronaldo has the best chance of playing against Villareal this Saturday.