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Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has said that anything can happen in the January transfer window and has not ruled out the possibility of Los Blancos making some signings this month.

It is reported that the Real Madrid boss met with the president Florentino Perez on Tuesday evening to discuss transfers as well as the way Real Madrid are going to approach the rest of the La Liga season.

Regarding the meeting, Zidane had this to say:

“We talked about everything and maybe we talked about the possibility of reinforcements for the team,”

“Today I can tell you there will be no transfers, but until January 31st anything can happen. Maybe somebody new comes but what I want is that nobody leaves.

“Coaches like me, we build a squad at the beginning of the season and I’m very happy with that squad. I will fight alongside them until the end.”

As we all know, Real Madrid have set a high standard for themselves over the years, which includes winning both the La Liga and Champions League titles last year. Due to that success, it is all the more disappointing that Real are currently fourth in the La Liga table, fourteen points behind bitter rivals Barcelona.

Florentino Perez has gained a reputation for sacking managers but it seems as if his relationship with Zidane is still very strong, which will stand the club in good stead for the rest of the season.

In other news, Zidane has confirmed that Welsh winger Gareth Bale will bein the squad for the Copa Del Rey first leg against Numancia on Thursday, but it remains to be seen whether he will start.

“He will be with the team tomorrow and then we shall see. We want him to play more gradually until he can regularly play games.

“He’s a very important player for us, he’s in very good shape and regularly training which is very important.”

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Numancia v Real Madrid gives Los Blancos the opportunity to rest some of the key players ahead of their return to action in La Liga matches. This is the first leg of the round of 16 contest and Real are expected to come through the tie easily.

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Numancia v Real Madrid Preview

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is expected to rest a number of his key stars for the Copa del Rey clash with Numancia on Thursday evening. As this is the first leg, it won’t matter too much even if Real fall to a shock defeat, as they would still have the second leg at the Bernabeu to turn it around.

Karim Benzema will miss this game with a hamstring injury. Luka Modric, Isco and Cristiano Ronaldo are expected to be rested ahead of a busy run of fixtures. Dani Ceballos, Mateo Kovacic and Lucas Vazquez are set to come into the team if Zidane decides to make changes, while academy graduates Marcos Llorente and Borja Mayoral will also hope to play a part.

Numancia v Real Madrid Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Casilla; Achraf, Nacho, Ramos, Harnandez; Casemiro, Kovacic, Ceballos; Vazquez, Asensio, Mayoral

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Numancia v Real Madrid Betting Tips

  • Numancia have won 5, drawn 3 and lost 2 out of the last 10.
  • Real Madrid have won 6, drawn 3 and lost 1 out of the last 10.
  • In the last 10 games, Numancia have scored an average of 1.5 goals and have conceded an average of 1.1 goals.
  • In the last 10 games, Real Madrid have scored an average of 2.2 goals and have conceded an average of 1.1 goals.
  • There have been over 2.5 goals in 5 of the last 10 Numancia games.
  • There have been over 2.5 goals in 7 of the last 10 Real Madrid games.

Numancia v Real Madrid Prediction

It would be a shock if Real Madrid were to slip up here. Yes, some of the key players will be rested but those that are in the team will be wanting to put things right. The 3-0 defeat to Barcelona before the break was a bit of an embarrassment that must be overturned.

Real Madrid have won their last 5 matches against Numancia in all competitions and are actually undefeated in 26 of their last 28 matches in the Copa del Rey. Numancia are 5th in the Segunda Division so will have their threats, but Real Madrid should simply have too much for them.

Free Betting Tips

Match Prediction

Real Madrid win 2/9 at Bet365.

Over/Under Prediction

Over 2.5 goals 2/5 at Bet365.

Result

Real Madrid to win 3-0 7/1 at Bet365.

Disclaimer: Odds correct at time of publishing

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Cristiano Ronaldo Thankful For Fan Support

Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked fans for their support over the years that have helped him win plenty of trophies, both on a personal level and a team level. The Portuguese superstar decided to display his personal trophies in a post on his Instagram account.

The Real Madrid attacker won his fifth Ballon d’Or in 2017 and all five of the trophies took pride of place in the middle of the post. Ronaldo was using the winter break to make a trip home to Madeira in Portugal.

As well as the Ballon d’Or trophies, the others on show were four European Golden Shoes, three UEFA Best Player in Europe Awards and the Best FIFA Men’s Player gong, which he has won in each of the past two years.

Ronaldo Thanks Fans

Christiano Ronaldo also made sure to thank his team-mates, coaches and the fans that have helped and supported him over the years. In the post on Instagram, Ronaldo wrote:

“When I played in the streets of Madeira and dreamed of reaching the top of the football I could not imagine that one day I would take a picture like this,”

“I dedicate this moment above all to my family, my friends, my team-mates, the coaches with whom I have always learned and so many others at my clubs and with the national team.

“Finally, a special thanks to my fans. These trophies are yours too!”

The 32-year-old could be back in action for Real Madrid in the Copa de Rey match against Numancia on Thursday, but manager Zinedine Zidane may wish to rest him until Los Blancos are back in La Liga action against Celta Vigo on Sunday.

After the defeat to Barcelona, a good run of form in La Liga is crucial in turning the season around and Zidane will know that this is the priority.

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Toni Kroos Linked With Move Away From Real

Some reports in Spain are suggesting that influential playmaker Toni Kroos could be on his away out of the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer transfer window. The German international has recently been linked with a move to English Premier League giants Manchester United.

Spanish news outlet Don Balon have stated that Kroos could be on his way out of La Liga, with Los Blancos cashing in so that they can fund other deals. Regarding the link to Manchester United, their manager Jose Mourinho is said to be a huge admirer of Kroos which should come as no surprise to anyone.

Kroos has been widely considered as one of the greatest midfield players in the world since he moved to Real Madrid from Bayern Munich back in 2014. It remains to be seen whether or not Kroos would be interested in any move away from the Bernabeu.

Many Teams Interested

It is not just Manchester United that are reportedly interested in the German international’s services, as Manchester City and Paris-Saint Germain are also keen on bringing him in at the end of the current season.

The report from Don Balon also claims that the potential sale of Kroos would help fund a huge move for the former Barcelona attacker Neymar, who is reportedly not happy at PSG. A fee of around £90m is being discussed for Kroos, while any move for Neymar would cost around £250m.

Of course, if Toni Kroos was to leave the Bernabeu then he would have to be replaced properly. Real have already been criticised for not replacing striker Alvaro Morata when he was sold to Chelsea in the summer and will look to avoid a repeat of that. Luka Modric has also been linked with a move away, so it will be interesting to see what happens in the summer.

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Thibaut Courtois Linked With Real Madrid

Reports in Spain are suggesting that Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois would be interested in a move to Real Madrid in the future, with some outlets even suggesting that a transfer agreement may be in place for Los Blancos to sign the big Belgian international.

Just today Real Madrid have continued to be linked with a move for Courtois’ teammate for both club and country Eden Hazard  and who knows, a double deal for both players could be in the offing. Los Blancos are looking for a goalkeeper that could replace Keylor Navas at the end of the current season.

The reports today suggest that Real president Florentino Perez has given up the chase for Manchester United stopper David De Gea and has instead turned his attention to Courtois. Diario Gol claim that the move could go through in the summer transfer window.

Competition In Goal

Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu this month, in a move that will completely overhaul the keeper situation at Real. Current back up Kiko Casilla is expected to move on in this January transfer window, with a few clubs in Spain and England reportedly interested in the player.

Thibaut Courtois has been in fantastic form so far this season and would be an excellent signing. He has claimed 11 clean sheets in the Premier League so far this term and will likely get quite a few more before the end of the season.

Even though the player used to play for Real’s city rivals Atletico Madrid, it is not expected that this will get in the way of any move. He would certainly not be the first ex Atletico player to arrive at the Bernabeu and should he sign for the club in the summer, then the fans will definitely get behind him.

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Real Madrid To Offer £120m For Eden Hazard?

Reports today are suggesting that Real Madrid may be ready to put in a huge bid of £120million for Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard. Real are looking for a big name signing to excite the fans and the Belgian international may be the perfect fit.

If the move was to go through, it would be a British transfer record, beating the fee that Los Blancos paid Tottenham Hotspur for Gareth Bale. Eden Hazard’s future at Chelsea has been questioned over the last few days after he was left on the bench for their 5-0 victory over Stoke City. This could just be due to fixture congestion, but that remains to be seen.

The most interesting part of the rumour is that Hazard’s father told the Belgian press that Eden had refused a contract extension at Stamford Bridge after the rumours of Real Madrid’s interest began.

Admiration of Zidane

Eden Hazard has previously spoken of his admiration for Los Blancos and in particular, manager Zinedine Zidane. He said that it would be a dream to play in a side that is managed by his childhood idol and if Real did come in with a solid bid it would be a surprise if the player did not want to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Hazard’s current deal at Chelsea is due to run until 2020, with Real hoping to use that to their advantage. The current European champions hope their huge £120m bid will make Chelsea want to take the money for their key man now, knowing that his value will drop over the next few transfer windows.

As well as the hefty transfer fee, Real Madrid will have to offer the player himself a large weekly wage, as current club Chelsea are reportedly willing to make him the highest paid player in the Premier League with a new £300,000 a week deal.

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Real Madrid 'Close To Signing Alexis Sanchez'

Reports in Spain today are suggesting that Real Madrid may be closing in on a move to sign the former Barcelona attacker Alexis Sanchez in the January transfer window. The reports also suggest that the player himself is set on a return to Spain, with Los Blancos as his most likely suitors. 

The Chile international’s contract at English Premier League club Arsenal is due to expire at the end of the current season and he has shown no intention of signing a new deal. The Gunners would rather not lose such a valuable player on a free transfer in the summer, so are likely to try and recoup whatever money they can in January.

Alexis Sanchez very nearly left Arsenal to join Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City last summer but the deal fell through after Arsenal could not complete a deal for a replacement.

The Player Wants La Liga Return

Alexis spent three years in Spain as part of Real’s rivals Barcelona, and it looks as if the player wants to return to Spain, this time in the famous white of Real Madrid. He has been at Arsenal since 2014 and individually has been very successful. The club have also claimed a couple of trophies in his time in London.

The reports from Don Balon in Spain suggest that Sanchez would now prefer a move to the Santiago Bernabeu rather than joining Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Real are expected to put in a bid, but the final decision lies with manager Zinedine Zidane and club president Florentino Perez.

It is said that Perez is a big fan of Alexis Sanchez and believes that he is the missing piece of their puzzle. It is expected that Zidane will think this too, and a deal could get done in the first few weeks of the transfer window.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Yet Another Award

It has been yet another fantastic year for Cristiano Ronaldo overall, as he has won plenty of trophies and awards both individually and as a team. He has now added to his stellar collection by claiming the Best Player of the Year gong at the Globe Soccer Awards.

The Los Blancos superstar has retained the award that he also won last year. This victory means that he has now won this particular award for a fourth time overall. In 2017, Ronaldo has won his record-equalling fifth Ballon D’Or and he also claimed FIFA’s The Best Award.

As a team, Real Madrid have had a spectacular 2017 overall, claiming the La Liga title followed by Champions League glory yet again. This month they also won the FIFA Club World Cup, defeating Brazilian side Gremio in the final after Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal.

Room For More

After winning the Best Player of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo joked that there is plenty more space for trophies in his house.

“It is a special moment and I am very happy to receive this award,”

“I would like to thank the coach, my team-mates and Real Madrid. Thanks to the people that voted for me and do the same next year.”

When asked if he had enough room for his trophies, Ronaldo said:

“Don’t worry I have a lot of space.”

Cristiano’s agent Jorge Mendes was also named as the Best Agent of the Year at the same awards ceremony. Real Madrid actually won across the board at the awards, as they were named as the Best Club of the Year, while Zinedine Zidane won the Best Coach gong. The success just goes to show that it has been a fantastic 2017 for Los Blancos, even though things aren’t going all their own way at the moment.

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thibaut-courtois

Real Madrid have a decision to make in their pursuit of Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, after the Belgian stopper has reportedly been offered a new contract. His current deal enters its final year in the summer, which could give Real Madrid some leverage in brokering a deal to bring Courtois to the Bernabeu. However, Belgian news outlet Het Laatste Nieuws reports that the 25-year-old is close to agreeing a new five-year deal with the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Real president Florentino Perez has previously signalled his intent to replace Keylor Navas as the club’s first team goalkeeper. The 31-year-old Costa Rican has performed with great credit between the sticks since replacing Iker Casillas but does lack genuine star quality.

Courtois is the right age and is widely considered to be among the elite, so would fit the bill perfectly. Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga has also been strongly linked with Los Blancos but those rumours have cooled in recent weeks.

Perez has extra motivation to push a transfer through as soon as possible, given Real Madrid’s current points deficit to La Liga leaders Barcelona. A high-profile signing would certainly lift the spirits of players and supporters going into the second half of the season.

It could be a case of act now or miss out, with Courtois seemingly on the verge to putting pen to paper on a new deal with his current club. Chelsea are also reportedly keen to resolve the situation and have lined up Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak and Sevilla’s Sergio Rico as potential replacements, should Courtois decide to jump ship.

Thibaut Courtois is keen to return to Spain sooner rather than later. He is a previous resident of Madrid, having spent three years on loan with Atleti between 2011 and 2014. Both of his children still live in the Spanish capital, which could help swing any potential deal in Real’s favour.

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Zinedine Zidane could decide to drop Karim Benzema to accommodate Gareth Bale, after the Welsh winger has successfully completed a return from injury. Bale has not started a game since September but played a key role in helping Real Madrid win the Club World Cup. He also came off the bench in the 0-3 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona.

That result ruled Real Madrid out of the La Liga title race and has reportedly put Zidane’s position as head coach under threat. With this in mind, the Frenchman is expected to reshuffle his pack in a bid to improve results. Zidane will be keen to find the perfect blend ahead of the upcoming Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain, the result of which could ultimately decide his fate.

The obvious change would be to switch to a 4-3-3 formation, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale on the flanks either side of Karim Benzema. However, that would mean dropping a midfielder. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are nailed-on starters and Casemiro is an important ‘destroyer’ in the engine room. That leaves Marco Asensio who has been playing well in the hole behind the strikers, so it’s difficult to see Zidane making that call.

Whether right or wrong, Karim Benzema is often the scapegoat when things go awry for Real Madrid. They say there’s no smoke without fire and this season he just hasn’t cut the mustard. Benzema’s paltry return of 2 La Liga goals from 12 appearances is hindering the side and he could be ready to make way for Bale, resulting in the following possible starting XI with all players fit and available;

Real Madrid (4-3-1-2 formation): Navas; Marcelo, Ramos, Varane, Carvajal; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Asensio; Ronaldo, Bale

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