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Santiago Hernán Solari arrived to Real Madrid bench 10 days ago with the label of “temporary”. However, the team has won all three games since his arrival, not conceding a single goal and scoring 11 goals. The numbers can be tricky because the rivals were very weak, but the team has improved and he knows how to handle this groups.

Besides, Solari has been very brave in his decisions. Real Madrid supporters were complaining about the bad performance of some players like Luka Modric or Marco Asensio. Both went directly to the bench in the Champions League clash, and their substitutes made a good performance. This situation shouldn’t be final, but this is how a manager should handle a squad full of quality.

Solari has also trust in the youngsters. Reguilón and Odriozola played the last two games as left and right back, and both were among the best players of the team, especially the youngster Reguilón. Javi Sánchez also made his Champions League debut giving some rest to Sergio Ramos and Vinicius Junior also set foot in the European competition for the very first time.

After the game at Czech Republic, many players were asked about the continuity of Solari. Some footballers like Reguilón were sincere and said that he would like Solari to keep the job. Some others like Casemiro or Sergio Ramos trusted the coach and will accept any other decision.

The key game will be on Sunday against Celta de Vigo, the toughest match so far for the manager. Real Madrid can have a temporary coach for 15 days and the time expires after this international break. His continuity will depend on this result, especially if Florentino Pérez doesn’t have a good manager tied for the future. Solari has shown in these 15 days that he is able to continue in the job, at least until the end of the season. The team was a disaster with Lopetegui, it couldn’t go worst, but now there is some hope in the atmosphere.

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Real Madrid thrashed Viktoria Plzen (0-5) and recover the confidence in the fourth game of the Champions League group stage. Los Blancos had the chance even to score many more goal in an important match to get improving. Kroos and Benzema lead the team in Czech Republic.

Santiago Hernán Solari made many changes in his debut in the Champions League. Actually it was a shocking line up with Modric, Asensio or Isco on the bench, together with Keylor Navas, who played all the other games in Europe this season. And Real Madrid started the game completely asleep. The Czech team had the control and arrived to Courtoiś goal and they could even scored in the 8th minute but the ball hit the bar after Nacho’s touch.

Luckily, the pressure went down and Real Madrid started feeling more comfortable. In the 20th minute, Benzema dribbled three players and scored a great goal to open the scoreboard. Just two minutes later, Casemiro found also the net thanks to a header from a corner kick. Everything was more clear now. The game was finished even before the half time when Benzema found again the net with a header. Superb first half for the Frenchman. Bale wanted to join the party and the Welshman could also scored in the 39th minute. Finally, goals were arriving.

In the second half there was time for some rest. Sergio Ramos and Benzema left their spot to Javi Sánchez and Vinicius, two youngsters from Castilla. People wanted to see Vinicius and the Brazilian assisted to Toni Kroos in the fifth goal, in the 66th minute. Until the end of the game, we only saw some details from Vinicius and Bale hit the bar in the very last minute, but the match was over in the first 45 minutes. Los Blancos will fight for the first position of the group in the last clash, against Roma at Olímpico.

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No other club has managed to retain the Champions League let alone win it thrice on the bounce! In that regard what Real Madrid achieved under Zinedine Zidane was astonishing even for Madrid’s standards.

In the beginning of the season if you said to anybody that Madrid would go on a 4 match winless run at home before losing 5-1 to arch rivals Barcelona in the league no one would have agreed with you. Unfortunately that is how Julen Lopetegui’s spell as a Real Madrid manager came to an end with a heavy defeat to Barcelona.

Highs and lows are a part of life, and unfortunately, of football too. But it is inconceivable that a club of Real Madrid’s stature shall remain in the hapless position they find themselves in. Football is ruled by uncertainty and therefore fans must take advantage of this fact and make the most of every betting offer that comes their way, including the free betting no deposit offers provided by several reputed online bookmakers. Odds are slashed at 12/1 for a win for in form Valladolid who are unbeaten in five. Bookmakers have priced Real Madrid at 1/6 for a win and the draw is going at 13/2.

These sorts of long odds do make betting far riskier to bet on the expected loser. This is obvious because sports betting is based on knowledge of the game and of the odds of each team winning so the payouts for, say, correctly betting that Real Madrid are going to be triumphant against a lesser known team with odds of 2/1, will be much smaller than betting on Real Madrid against a real challenger like Barcelona and their odds of 5/1. The higher the risk, the greater the pay, which is why making use of free bets is such a lucrative option.

Florentino Perez handed over the reign to Santiago Solari who made his debut against Melilla in the Copa del Rey. In this article we shall analyze the tactical tweaks he made that were indeed very effective.

Decision to hand a start to Vinicius Jr.

A player who himself likens his playing style to Neymar certainly does not need any confidence boost from the manager. It shows from the way he plays that this kid knows no fear. The Brazillian however could manage only 12 first team minutes under ex-manager Lopetegui and was played for Castilla.

But Solari decided that Copa del Rey was the appropriate platform for his integration in the team. The decision paid off as Vinicius asserted his dominance on the pitch with attack after attack from the wide areas.

Deploying Marco Asensio in the middle

Florentino Perez sees Asensio as the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo. That might be asking too much of the youngster. Nevertheless there is no doubt about his ability and potential to become world-class.

He has mostly been used in wide areas by his previous managers. But Solari allowed him to occupy the central areas behind Benzema. It is widely known that Asensio has got a wand of a left foot when it comes to striking the ball from distance. Benzema was constantly stretching defences and this allowed Asensio to get into shooting positions outside the box.

Putting faith in Odriozola

After Zidane left, the club found itself devoid of a proper transfer strategy. Therefore the main outfield signing was that of the young right-back Odriozola. However the defender has found it difficult to get first-team minutes mostly because Dani Carvajal, who is far more experienced, is doing such an excellent job.

Again it was clever management from Solari to bring in Odriozola in place of Carvajal. He played excellently in the attacking spaces. He assisted one for Benzema and then scored one himself in the second half. Quite impressive for a right-back, eh?

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Real Madrid got finally the three points in La Liga after a suffered victory (2-0) against Real Valladolid in a very tough game. Los Blancos didn’t improve the way of playing and some footballers don’t deserve to start the next game, but they got the victory after five winless games in the league competition.

Santiago Hernán Solari trusted again in Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio in the attacking line, but both were very disappointing. The supporters ask themselves if they deserve much more opportunities to start the game or it’s time for new faces like Vinicius Junior. Reguilón and Nacho played in the defense, making a good job.

It’s hard to see positive things in the game apart from the victory. The team doesn’t play good and Valladolid, a newly promoted team, had the chance to win at Santiago Bernabéu. However, the club whose chairman is Ronaldo Nazario, missed their chances with two balls hitting the bar.

Solari made some changes in the second half, replacing Casemiro and Gareth Bale, who made another terrible game in the season that he was supposed to lead the team and replace Cristiano Ronaldo as the leader. Vinicius Junior had some minutes and he was again decisive, as he was in the Copa del Rey game at Melilla.

The Brazilian player shot in the minute 82nd and the game touched in Kiko Oliva and found the net. Vinicius celebrated his first goal -although it was own goal- at Santiago Bernabéu. It is nice to see a face with hunger and hope. Sergio Ramos closed the scoreboard with a penalty kicked in the Panenka style in the last minute. Three points to recover the calm, but there are many things to be improved. Now, Los Blancos play four games in a row on the road, against Celta, Eibar in La Liga and Viktoria Plzen and Roma in the Champions League.

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Real Madrid celebrated finally a victory (0-4) in their first game in Copa del Rey this season against Melilla, right now in the third division of the Spanish football (Segunda B). Santiago Hernán Solari made his debut as a coach with a good image after only one win in the last 7 games for Lopeteguii. Besides, some players took their opportunity and showed their quality.

It was the case of Vinicius Junior and Álvaro Odriozola, two of the most important signings this season that Lopetegui didn’t include in their plans. Solari gave them the chance to shine and they make the most of it. The Brazilian player was the best player of the game, assisting, dribbling and showing his quality. The right back scored his first goal with Real Madrid and gave two assists. Someone cannot understand why Lopetegui didn’t use him at Camp Nou while Carvajal was injured.

The first line-up with Solari had many changes but he had to include few important players because the squad is quite short this year. For instance, Sergio Ramos or Karim Benzema played from the start, even if the rival was a team from third category. Marcos Llorente, Reguilón or Dani Ceballos had also some minutes to enjoy.

Luckily, it was an easy game for Los Blancos. They got a victory on the road after two months… Odriozola ran the right wing and he assisted Karim Benzema, who tapped the ball in to score the first goal on the game in the 30th minute. Marco Asensio also found the net just before the half time.

In the second time, Solari made some changes but Vinicius kept playing very well and he was the main protagonist in the third goal, this time scored by Odriozola. The right back assisted to the youngster Cristo to close the scoreboard in the very last minute of the game.

Real Madrid can smile again but this weekend there will be another test against Valladolld. Meanwhile, Florentino is looking for a coach to take over Solari’s job, who seems more able to do the tasks than Lopetegui. The worst things have passed.

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casino gambling

If you can’t get enough of football, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beautiful game off the pitch. Video games, movies, books – this sport has found its way into every area of entertainment. One of the most popular past times are online slots like those found at Mayfair Casino. And trust us: you would be surprised at the absurd amount of football-themed games available to play. Here are the top five games available:

The Champions Slot
The World Cup saw an influx of new football slots. And one of the best was The Champions. Before you start spinning, you will be asked to choose where to place a target. If a ball symbol falls within this target, then you score a goal. Scoring goals will increase a multiplier – boosting your wins for the next 10 spins. There’s also a penalty bonus game, which tests your nerves to win a prize of up to 100x your total staked bet.
Football Star Online Slot
Another slot that came off the bench during the World Cup hype. Football Star Online shows off some stunning skills with 243 ways to win action, rolling reels, free spins and up to 10x multiplier. There’s also the Striking Wild feature – a bonus feature that can turn all three central reels wild for big wins. A top net screamer from developers Microgaming.
Football: Champions Cup Slot
One of the most elaborate football slots out there. Before you start spinning, you will have to choose a national side. You will then be charged to guide your team through a gruelling tournament to a massive jackpot win. During free spins, your job is to collect wilds to score goals and proceed to the next round. If you want to experience what it’s like to be a football manager, then this is the slot for you.
Football Rules! Slots
We have to agree with the title of this game. We also agree with the fast-paced, 25 payline action. Hit the bonus symbols on reels 1 and 5 to enter the bonus round. Here you will pick from a variety of footballs to reveal free spins and multipliers to take into the bonus feature. With symbols comprised of team jerseys, card flashing referees and screaming fans – this will surely get you in the mood for some footie.
Football Girls Slots
The girls have all the power in this 30 payline slot. Land bonus symbols on reels 1 and 5 to enter the bonus round. Simply pick from the footballs to reveal cash prizes, multipliers and free spins. There’s also the Benchwarmer free games; pick from one of the beautiful girls to be your Benchwarmer. The remaining girls will then be removed from the reels – leading to increased chances of winning with your chosen lass. A five of a kind win in this slot can produce a screaming 10,000 coin win. An absolute belter.

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Real Madrid announced on Monday evening the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui as a head coach of the team after the hard defeat in El Clásico on Sunday. Santiago Hernán Solari, who was training Castilla, was appointed as the new head coach provisionally. At least, the Argentinian will be seated on the bench in the two games this week, against Melilla in Copa del Rey and Valladolid in La Liga. The club is still looking for another manager.

It was evident that the team needed a change and Lopetegui’s dismissal was inevitable after the fourth defeat in La Liga, this time in El Clásico, with the team completely lost. The team is now in the 9th position in the table, something unacceptable for a club like Real Madrid. However, now someone wonder why the bosses waited so many time to sack him or why was he signed in the very first place if nobody believed in his project.

Real Madrid was very harsh in the press release confirming the news: “The Board of Directors understands that there is a great disproportion between the quality of the staff of Real Madrid, which has eight players nominated for the next Ballon d’Or, something unprecedented in the history of the club, and the results obtained to date”, the statement says. Besides, Lopetegui had to train on Monday morning, preparing the game against Melilla, even if everybody knew that Lopetegui was going to be sacked immediately. .

Now there is a big question mark about who will be the next Real Madrid head coach. Santiago Solari is the substitute but only for the next few games, because Florentino Pérez is still looking for a permanent replacement. Antonio Conte was the first candidate, but the Italian manager wasn’t very welcomed in the dressing room. So the president is still looking for several options. Even if Solari could be ready after more than two years in Castilla, Florentino is not willing to put that pressure on his shoulders.

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El Clásico was a nightmare for Real Madrid, losing (5-1) the game and the moral in the worse scenario possible. The terrible season led until Camp Nou and the rival was very cruel with Los Blancos, completely overwhelmed by Barça, even without Leo Messi. This is the end of Julen Lopetegui as a Real Madrid coach, perhaps not the only guilty, but unable to handle this situation.

Even the list and the line-up didn’t make sense. Real Madrid battle for Vinicius Junior to travel, after being sent off in the last match with Castilla. The Brazilian went to Barcelona but Lopetegui decided to leave him out of the list. Carvajal couldn’t play and, instead of including Odriozola, who was signed as Dani’s replacement, Nacho was the right back. He did terrible mistakes during the game.

Actually, the first goal came from his side. Jordi Alba was very comfortable in the first half, flying for Nacho’s territory. He assisted Coutinho, who didn’t miss in the 11th. Los Blancos didn’t react and didn’t have the ball, in the worst first half that someone can remember at Camp Nou. Varane committed another mistake -how many this season?- and Luis Suárez converted the penalty, after VAR consulting. It was a 2-0 before the half time.

At least, Los Blancos reacted in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Varane, injured, was substituted by Lucas Vázquez and Real Madrid played with three full backs and Marcelo and Lucas as wingers. The pressure starting higher, and Marcelo found the net in the 51st. The left back has scored 3 out of the last 4 games of Los Blancos. Something that should be reviewed. Luka Modric could draw the game but his shot found the post. Even Benzema or Sergio Ramos with headers could have balanced the game.

But Barcelona was a better team and they punished Los Blancos. Luis Suárez closed the game in the 75th minute with a great header and only 7 minutes later made his hat-trick after a terrible mistake of Sergio Ramos. Arturo Vidal closed the scoreboard in a dramatic end. Lopetegui’s era is over and he should be sacked on Monday. Antonio Conte is arriving to put some order in the worst moment of the club in the last year.

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Gareth Bale

Next Sunday (16:15, local time) the world will stop. Another El Clásico clash will take place at Camp Nou between FC Barcelona v Real Madrid. The most important game of the season in La Liga arrives in a very bad moment for Los Blancos, unable to win the last four matches in the competition and four points behind the rivals. However, it’s also the best opportunity to bounce back and redeem themselves after a poor start of the season.

All the lights will shed pointing to Julen Lopetegui. The manager risk his job position on Sunday. A bad result will mean he will be sacked, something that hasn’t happened yet because of the busy calendar. Real Madrid were able to win on Tuesday in the Champions League but this result is not enough to save his head.

Lopetegui will have the full squad available, with the exception of Daniel Carvajal. Therefore, we should expect a starting line-up with Nacho Fernández as a right back -the manager doesn’t trust Odriozola for important games- with Isco in the midfielder. Marco Asensio, who is disappointing this season, should start on the bench. In the attacking line, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema will be the leaders.

Gareth Bale arrived this week to the milestone of 200 games with the Real Madrid t-shirt. In that time he has scored 92 goals and gave 62 assists. We all remember his goals in the Champions League final in Lisbon in 2014 against Atlético Madrid and against Liverpool in 2018 in Kiev. Besides, his memorable goal in the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona will stay also in the history of the club.

The Welshman presents great numbers and stats, but his physical problems are always an obstacle for his development. This season he was called to be the leader of the team after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. It was his opportunity. Bale started really well the season but little by little he’s hiding himself and, on Tuesday, he played really poor against Viktoria Plzen. Los Blancos will need the best Bale in El Clásico if they want to continue fighting for La Liga.

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After winless games, Real Madrid got the three points (2-1) in the third game of the Champions League group stage against the weak Viktoria Plzen. Karim Benzema and Marcelo scored the two goals, but the game was very poor and the team didn’t improve. Now, at least, Real Madrid are topping the group with Roma, both with 6 points, two more than CSKA Moscow. Without many hopes, Los Blancos are ready to play El Clásico on Sunday, perhaps the last game for Julen Lopetegui.

The coach punished Raphael Varane, Marco Asensio and Odriozola, all three very poor against Levante, with the bench. Lucas Vázquez played as a right back, another decision difficult to understand because Real Madrid signed a top player like Odriozola for that role. Vázquez is much more useful as a winger, as he showed in the first goal, with a great assist and the header by Karim Benzema. It was the 11th minute. There was some hope that we could watch a good game with many goals, but it was only a hope.

Actually, Keylor Navas was one of the best of the team, saving a couple of very good chances. The Costa Rican showed once again that he hasn’t given up and he’s ready to fight for the goalkeeper position. Los Blancos didn’t play fast, all the game was really forseeable. Even Isco missed a really clear chance after a gift from the goalkeeper Hruska. Viktoria Plzen could draw in the last play of the first half, but Ptrzela missed it. The supporters started to whistle the team.

In the second half the things weren’t much better. Fede Valverde made his season debut replacing Isco, again far from his best level. The Uruguayan participated in the second goal scored by Marcelo, who pointed again the badge. Apart from a post from Sergio Ramos, the team didn’t create many chances. Viktoria could have scored earlier and they found their prize in the 78th minute with a goal scored by Hrovovsky. There was even time for a draw, but luckily Nacho saved the most clear chance. Three points but a terrible sensation to travel on Sunday to Camp Nou. Especially with Julen Lopetegui on the bench.

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