Overview
- Real Madrid’s revival under Álvaro Arbeloa has yielded 13 wins in 17 games and signature results over Manchester City and Atlético, yet up to 15 call-ups now strip the training group to a handful of seniors.
- The planned reintegration of Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham after injuries forces choices that could sideline in-form stand-ins like Thiago Pitarch and Brahim Díaz under a new high-work, press-first approach.
- Squad health is fragile at Madrid with Rodrygo out for the season after ACL and meniscus tears, Eder Militão slated to return after the break, and no clear timeline for Thibaut Courtois’ muscle issue.
- Córdoba CF has crashed to six straight defeats, prompting a high-level meeting of the CEO, sporting director, coach Iván Ania and captain Carlos Marín, as supporters call for unity and clearer post-match gestures toward traveling fans.
- Iker Álvarez stays with Córdoba after Andorra left him off its list, yet the midfield loses Dani Requena to Spain’s under-21s and striker Adrián Fuentes carries a six-game scoring drought before a home test against Mirandés.