Luka Modric's injury left Real Madrid without a key player. Whilst the Croat learned the ropes as los Blancos' midfield general, his mere presence made Toni Kroos a better player.
Isco's absence on Saturday added to Real Madrid midfield woes in Córdoba. Without the Spaniard, los Blancos lost their most creative, and possibly their most committed team player.
In a similar way to Modric, Isco's re-invention as an extremely fit midfielder - who rarely runs out of steam - has been one of the revelations of the season.
Losing two such important players would have an effect on any team, even Real Madrid. Ancelotti chose Khedira to deputise, a midfielder who has barely played this season. Word is he will leave the club in the summer.
Despite that, the Real Madrid boss picked him ahead of Illarramendi in Córdoba. That decision sent out a clear message: the club is inciting Illarramendi to leave the club. Lucas Silva's arrival also points to that happening.
However, Real Madrid need Illarramendi - an out-an-out midfielder who links up with everyone – more than Khedira, one of their worst performers in Córdoba.
He gave the ball away 12 times during the first half and only won it back once. Khedira was not responsible for his team's awful performance, but he did show just how much he struggles to be the type of playmaker Real Madrid really need.
Eduardo Inda (Spanish Journalist) in El Chiringuito: "Ramos will renew his contract in June. Its the logical outcome. A star of the team asking for more money is also normal."
"Sergio Ramos is a great guy and an extraordinary player and Real Madrid owes him the Tenth, because what he did in the final was a miracle. He will renew his contract in June. It is logical to ask for more money because he is a stratospheric player and we have to remunerate ".
"Many Anti-Real Madrid criticize him, but that's normal. But when it comes to Cristiano it's something different. Cristiano says everytime he goes onto the field he has to hear abuse about being a Portuguese, Messi jibes & now Irina."
Bernabeu Digital | Milan is expected to sell Mastour in order to raise money.They are really going through bad times and bad financial situations. - Madrid will most probably get the player, but very sorry for Milan.
Lucas Silva: "I want to make history at this club. This is a dream, it's a new chapter for me and I will adapt quickly in order to be ready as soon as possible"
Tore Pedersen (Ødegaard agent): "Rumors about his wage being £80k/week? Who believes English media!? They claimed that his dad's shopping was a success"
"I've reacted to it & wanted to say something but cant bother going into debate against them, They can write what they want,"
"There's a lot of wrong things written about Martin Ødegaard in both Norwegian and foreign press,"
"People will believe what they want but its never been the intention of the family to drag their son for best possible charge"
"They want to drag us to comment on the rumors about his wages but I will not, Martin earns what is good for him"
"Why Real Madrid? It should be why not Real Madrid, It's a legendary club, and he will get to work under Zidane"
"Someone like Zidane will definitely help Martin, RM is the best place to develop technically and mentally"
- So literally, Ødegaard's agent Tore Pedersen showing the finger to all those who've claimed his client's wages to be £80k weekly etc
Athletic Club has intensified contacts with Asier Illarramendi. Arsenal are willing to pay €15m for him.
- The clock is ticking for Asier Illarramendi. He has until Friday to decide on his future.
- Atlétic club are ready to pay €25m for him. Now it's upto Illara to decide.
- But it looks like he doesn't wants to leave. [Via : Marca]
Real Madrid continue to prepare for this Saturday's La Liga match against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu (8pm PST). Benzema joined the group for the second session of the week, in which the emphasis was placed on ball work. Pepe and Modric continue with their recovery processes.
The outfield players at Ancelotti's disposal at Ciudad Real Madrid underwent warm-ups and muscle-strengthening exercises, before completing a range of drills working on ball circulation and pressure. Casillas, Keylor Navas and Pacheco did specific goalkeeper training.
LFP President Javier Tebas: "Its not up to me but the Competition Committee to decide on Cristiano's suspension." "It was Un-Sportsmanlike behaviour but Cristiano apologised. I see the positive in recognising one's mistakes and it's what we value here."