After having Monday off for rest and recovery, Real Madrid returned to training at Valdebebas on Tuesday, in what is a rare week where the team does not have any mid-week games, with a full seven days to prepare for the next clash against Espanyol, where Zidane may opt to rest players like Casemiro (who is also in danger of suspension if he picks up another yellow card) against a team that’s in complete disarray before the schedule gets really tough mid-December.

Today’s training session involved most of the usual, with special emphasis on pressing high, retaining possession, and ball control. For the scrimmages at the end, Zinedine Zidane called up Castilla goalkeeper Diego Altube, and Juvenil C’s Bruno Iglesias.

Behind the scenes, Marco Asensio, James Rodriguez, Eden Hazard, and Lucas Vazquez worked on their recovery. James and Hazard should be back just in time for the Clasico. Gareth Bale did not train with the team, as he worked indoors.

ICYMI

Kiyan’s column this week on Eden Hazard

Mega podcast for our Patrons, where we discuss everything from Odegaard’s heroic performance on the weekend, to Balon D’or and Castilla

Jovic’s candid interview

Churros y Tácticas Podcast where Kiyan and Diego, as usual, have some great banter as they recap everything that’s happening in Spanish football right now

Sam Sharpe’s match report from the Castilla - Atletico Madrid B derby