Carlo Ancelotti laid on a seafood dinner at Valdebebas as a sort of bonding exercise for the Real Madrid squad four days before the 'Clásico'.
The idea behind the treat was to further bring the players together and it came after a particularly intense training session that was hit by rain and even snow, in which the coach was extremely pleased with his charges' efforts.
The Italian had no qualms about dipping into his own pocket as he looks to prompt a sea change in his team's fortunes following their recent struggles. [Via: Marca]
In Ancelotti's opinion, Madrid have to remain solid in defence and hold their 4-4-2 formation if they want to leave the Camp Nou with all three points.
Real Madrid carried out their usual training session at the Valdebebas training complex, but Sami Khedira was nowhere to be seen. Officially, the reason was that the German had had to stay at home due to a bout of gastroenteritis. Other sources, however, have situated the player in Germany, putting the final touches to his deal with Schalke 04. [Via: Marca]
Real Madrid has more defensive strength in the centre. Its centre-backs are more specific; more convincing in terms of the role of defender. They are more aware of their offensive markers and also of covering when their team is attacking.
Paul Pogba's agent Mino Raiola:"Real Madrid C.F. are a club that is used to buying players like you buy a facecloth -- and then throws them away like a facecloth."
Real Madrid continued their preparations ahead of Sunday's La Liga Clásico clash in the Camp Nou (21H CET). Ancelotti called upon Odegaard and Javi Muñoz for a session in which ball work featured heavily. James continued with his recover process whilst Khedira worked in the indoor facilities
With Casillas, Keylor Navas and Pacheco training separately, the outfield players at Ancelotti's disposal carried out warm-up and muscle-strengthening exercises before concentrating on ball work. The Whites played two games on a full-size pitch and another two on a medium-size pitch.
DID YOU KNOW...? Real Madrid is the highest scoring side away from home in La Liga:
The Whites travel to the Camp Nou having racked up 39 goals from 14 away fixtures.
Efficiency in front of goal is one of Real Madrid's strong points on the road, something the team have been showing over the course of the La Liga season. Ancelotti's side have notched up 39 goals away from the Santiago Bernabéu; making them the highest scoring outfit away from home in the division. Trailing behind them are Barcelona, with 32, and Sevilla, with 21.
Eight Real Madrid players have found the back of the net on their travels: Cristiano, Bale, Benzema, James, Chicharito, Isco, Modric and Ramos. These footballers have contributed towards the Whites' average of almost three goals per game (2.8) following the first 14 away La Liga matches. Now the aim is to add to this figure in the Camp Nou.
Cope | Ancelotti has called for maximum concentration before El Clasico, citing the games vs Bayern last season as an example. The Real Madrid squad are very motivated & know what is at stake. Ancelotti is emphasizing on Madrid's defensive work as being key.
Mino Raiola (Pogba's agent): "Real Madrid are a club who watch a player star in like 6 matches at the World Cup and buy them. Pogba doesn't want a club like that."
- Mino Raiola should look at this:
Pogba(Playing in Italian League + UCL) : Matches : 34 Goals : 9
Assists : 6
James (Playing in La Liga + UCL):: Matches : 33 Goals : 12
Assists : 10