Betis away, and the squad is thin
Your team plays Real Betis at La Cartuja on Friday night, and it will not be full strength. Éder Militão (hamstring), Ferland Mendy (thigh) and Rodrygo (knee) are all out (2) (8). Five wins from five to open the season, including the 4–0 over Málaga on Sunday, so the form is there. The question is whether the bench can keep it going.
Mendy dropped from the Champions League list
Jose Mourinho left Ferland Mendy out of the Champions League squad, while injured Militão and Rodrygo were included (10). That is a decision with a clear message. The French defender's thigh issue is not the reason, he is simply not in the European plans under Mourinho.
Sergio Martínez, straight into the squad
Sergio Martínez travelled with the first team for the Betis match. The Racing de Santander signing was initially headed for Castilla, then trained two days with the seniors and is now on the league squad (7) (2). A fast jump.
Mourinho's second act
El País profiles Mourinho's second arrival at Madrid, warning with a 'silk glove' (9). He has decisions to make already, starting with a back line missing three starters at La Cartuja.
Fan-reaktioner
The mood among Madridistas is nostalgic and proud. A Modric interview about a possible return to the club, in some role, has fans reminiscing (1). Others are sharing the new REFCam footage from the Espanyol win and insisting the club's reputation for respect and honour still holds (2) (3).
