Village Idiot

Ancelotti did play a lot of square pegs in round holes at Real Madrid, but in his defense he was forced to by Pérez's transfer policy.

He's never been an out and out striker, even when he was banging them for fun at Tenerife he played behind Aridane, a big target man.

He seems to be a bit crap, though. 2 in 10 in the Spanish third tier while playing for the team with the most expensive squad in that league.

Pot 2 of the CL: Real Madrid Valencia Atlético de Madrid Arsenal ManCity Porto That's actually stronger than pot 1. It also means we'll get one of Arsenal, Porto or (again) ManCity.

Real Madrid have sacked Finnish striker Eero Markannen from their B team after he allegedly returned from holidays having gained 18 Kg He claims it's untrue and has posted a touched up photo on twitter: http://estaticos03.marca.com/imagenes/2015/08/25/futbol/equipos/real_madrid/1440506700_extras_noticia_foton_7_1.jpg

Messi and Ronaldo going all season without scoring a single goal? Possible or not?

Messi has a higher release clause than Neymar, would cost you €250m. Anyway, Mundo Deportivo, who are the rag that the club uses to leak stuff, have said that Barça haven't received any offer for Neymar. We've been in talks with him to extend his contract, so this is just an agent ploy to get more money from us.

Marca reporting that Atlético could announce the signing of Kranevitter later today. He's been heavily rumoured to go there for weeks. Looks like Atlético would allow him to stay at River until January, so he can play the CWC.

Benítez taking a beating from the Madrid press. Always loved the smell of blood, that lot.

We were in talks for a new contract with him a few months ago but for some reason that went nowhere. Wouldn't surprise me if his agent is trying to revive the talks with these reports. I hope we get him to a longer contract, he's already great and will only get better.

Real Madrid's team bus, yesterday at Gijón: http://estaticos.sport.es/resources/jpg/2/6/aficionado-colgo-foto-twitter-1440354155762.jpg They should have put an Athletic sticker on the Spanish Supercup though

"Cristiano Ronaldo" is his first name. Dos Santos Aveiro are his two surnames.

I like Rafa a lot but he's completely unsuited to managing Madrid. James Rodríguez on the bench was a head-scratcher for me; he was comfortably one of Madrid's best players last season. James was better than Bale & Isco last season. Might be something to do with the Copa? Or else fatty's a fool. He's played a lot during preseason, unless he's tired or something I can't see that being the reason.

They have a better squad than us, despite a few glaring holes (like forward). Benítez just needs to not f*** up too much to carry the league. Loving Celta at the moment, by the way. Drawing away from home and Berizzo introduces a 4th forward to go for the win (granted, Levante were playing with 10 men, but still), which they are about to get since they are up 1-2 in injury time.

Jesé was playing uptop for a good stretch of the game and he looked completely lost.

Soldado scoring a Soldado goal. Glad to see him back.

I like Rafa a lot but he's completely unsuited to managing Madrid. James Rodríguez on the bench was a head-scratcher for me; he was comfortably one of Madrid's best players last season. They need to buy a forward, or at least do some business like Chicharito last season. There's nobody to replace Benzema or give him rest, and Ronaldo is better coming from the wing.

We were bad today, but we got 3 points from a place where we often drop some. I'll take that and take solace in the fact Madrid have started slow too. Vermaelen was pretty solid btw, I think he will be useful once he gets going.

Michu already had been circling a call up during his stint at Celta. Also, if Ayoze were to score 15+ pl goals like Michu did I assure you he would get noticed too.

Mike Williamson IMO You can't lose what you'll never have I know the Spanish press are spoilt for choice when it comes to analysing players, but is there any mention at all of this kids progress? No, he's pretty much off the radar. Won't get a look until he goes back to Spain or signs for a big(ger) English team. gtfo You're not seen as a big club by Spanish media, that's what I mean.

I wish Jémez had left Rayo. I really want to see what he can do with better players.

Mike Williamson IMO You can't lose what you'll never have I know the Spanish press are spoilt for choice when it comes to analysing players, but is there any mention at all of this kids progress? No, he's pretty much off the radar. Won't get a look until he goes back to Spain or signs for a big(ger) English team.

Mike Williamson IMO You can't lose what you'll never have

Just seen Traoré's "goal". Pure Adama that, all up to the shitty cross to nobody - which this time fortunately ends up in a keeper blunder.

I send Krul to the bench, he scores 11 points. I don't know why I keep trying anymore.