Atlético 2–1 Real Madrid: Diomande took his chance
Atlético de Madrid 2–1 Real Madrid at the Metropolitano, and the only thing fans want to talk about is Yan Diomande. He came off the bench and outperformed Vinicius Junior (2) (5). You are 4th in La Liga, 15 points from seven games, and the derby went to your neighbours. Jan Oblak was in the Atlético goal (2).
86% of your fanbase want Diomande to start ahead of Vinicius
Marca polled Real Madrid fans on whether Diomande should start, and who should drop out to make room. The answer was brutal for Vinicius Junior. 86% want the change (1). That is the loudest signal yet that the Brazilian's starting spot is genuinely in question.
Madrid want Bayern's Lennart Karl, 18
Real Madrid are tracking Lennart Karl at Bayern Munich, per Walfoot (3). He is 18, an attacking midfielder, and Vincent Kompany rates him highly. Bayern could move to extend his deal rather than lose him (3). No offer yet. Watch this one.
Get the next Real Madrid CF brief by email
This article went out to subscribers as a brief. Get the next one straight to your inbox, free.
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Alexander-Arnold's value keeps sliding
Trent Alexander-Arnold's market value has dropped again since his move from Liverpool to Real Madrid last June (4). The deal cost a reported £10m (4). The football has not clicked yet. Figures are moving in the wrong direction.
Michael Owen: watch Kane's Bayern situation
Michael Owen told TEAMtalk that Harry Kane's future at Bayern Munich is worth monitoring, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both linked (6). Kane has not signalled anything. But the striker conversation at Madrid never closes for long.
Galatasaray are not done with Camavinga
Galatasaray have already been turned down on Eduardo Camavinga, and they are preparing a January loan bid anyway (7). Your midfield depth is thin as it is. This one could get real in the winter window.
Why the late points keep slipping
Managing Madrid's breakdown points at the passivity, on and off the ball (8). Madrid drop possession when ahead, sit deep, and invite teams back into games. You saw it at the Metropolitano against Atlético. It is not a one-off.
JJ Gabriel: Madrid or Barcelona
Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel will pick between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the coming days, after Madrid made a financial offer (9). Barcelona's position has shifted since (9). Heads-up on this one.
Mbappé on Olise: 'it would be disrespectful'
Kylian Mbappé was asked about pushing Michael Olise toward Madrid. His answer was clear: "And I feel it would be disrespectful to advise a player to make a move. That would be unfair to Bayern, especially since Bayern is a great club where Michael can achieve a lot" (10). He also backed José Mourinho to turn things around (10). Olise is a France teammate, and this is Mbappé's read: he did not chase him, and he will not start now.
Castilla held 1–1 at Sant Andreu
Sant Andreu 1–1 Real Madrid Castilla at Can Dragó on Wednesday (11). Daniel Yañez put Castilla ahead, Darbra equalised, and the game ended level (11).
Fan reactions
The subreddit is split on the midfield. One thread argues the team would be more functional without Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni in it, which tells you how restless things are after the derby. Castilla's draw at Sant Andreu was being followed closely too, and the Dani Yáñez goal thread got traffic. The mood: no panic, but no patience either.