Racing away, and the Clásico has changed everything
Racing Santander vs Real Madrid at El Sardinero, Sunday 16:15 CET. A week ago your team looked out of the title race. Then the Clásico happened: Barcelona 1–2 Real Madrid (1).
Madrid have now won five in a row in all competitions (2). They need a win against a promoted side that has not lost at home this season to stay within three points of Barcelona at the top (1) (3).
Courtois back, Valverde out
Thibaut Courtois returns in goal after flu, with Andriy Lunin dropping back to the bench (3).
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The doubt is at right-back: Fede Valverde has a fitness issue and the spot is open (3).
Endrick stays, Mourinho made it clear
Endrick turned down AC Milan and will stay at Real Madrid this winter despite barely playing (6). Mourinho did not leave the door open.
"C'est un joueur que j'adore, un joueur qui, selon moi, possède un potentiel incroyable et qui est très important pour nous. Ceux qui s'intéressent à lui devront vraiment se battre avec moi" (6). That is the coach saying he adores him, rates his potential, and will fight anyone who comes for him.
Lennart Karl wants Madrid
Madrid are one of several clubs tracking Bayern's Lennart Karl, the 18-year-old rated at €60m, alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona (4).
Karl has made his preference plain. "Bien sûr, le Bayern est un très, très grand club. C'est un rêve d'y jouer. Mais un jour, je veux absolument aller au Real Madrid. C'est le club de mes rêves" (7).
Bayern's own side of it is less warm. Uli Hoeness said he intends to have a serious conversation with him, adding "Il est loin d'être une superstar. Les jeunes joueurs ont besoin d'humilité" (4).
Fan reactions
The r/realmadrid thread of the morning is a stat post on Arda Guler's open-play chances created this season, with the argument running over what those numbers actually say about his role in the side. Nobody is debating the table after five straight wins. Arda Guler 2026/27 open play chances created so far
