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- Wales Coach Chris Coleman termed his side's performance in the game against Serbia "soul-destroying" but Real Madrid fans tuned in with interest to get a glimpse of Gareth Bale in a substitute appearance for his national team. It was too late for the new Real signing to do anything for his team at three-nil down and only half an hour to go, but it would tend to suggest that reports of any injury were grossly exaggerated and he should be fit for the weekend.
- The CIES Football Observatory (read: tactical nutters obsessed with statistical analysis) have predicted "success" this year for Real Madrid in the trophy hunt. They also believe Manchester United, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and PSG are dead-certs. These are certainly very interesting and (to paraphrase Sir Humphrey in Yes, Minister) "courageous" findings. Here is a link (PDF) Apparently, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos are going to be our key players this year.
- Sandro Rosell has taken time out of his busy schedule to inform us that: "If I'd bought Bale for 100 million, I'd never have heard the end of it." This writer would like to take time out of a busy schedule to remind him that Real Madrid hasn't been allowed to forget it yet either. But thanks for the shout-out.
- It was a special night for Nacho Fernandez. He becomes only the second Real Madrid player since Raul Bravo to debut for the Spanish National Team. Well done and congratulations to Nacho!