Real Madrid players Eden Hazard and Casemiro have tested positive for the global virus, confirmed the club after their samples were taken on Friday morning. "Real Madrid C. F. informs that our players Casemiro and Hazard have given positive results in the (global virus) tests carried out yesterday Friday morning," Real Madrid wrote on their official website.

The club went on to clarify that the rest of the players, as well as the coaching staff that were in touch with Hazard and Casemiro, have been tested and found to be negative.

"All the other players and the coaching staff of the first team, as well as all the club employees who work directly with them, gave negative results in that same test carried out yesterday. Likewise, it is confirmed again that all, except for Casemiro and Hazard, have given negative results in the antigen tests carried out this morning," the club stated.

It is the latest in a series of positive tests among Madrid players, coming after defender Eder Militao tested positive earlier in the week, which forced him to miss the match against Inter Milan. Prior to that, Madrid forward Mariano Diaz also tested positive.

The absence of Hazard and Casemiro will no doubt be felt by Madrid, as both men played an important role in their 3-2 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Wednesday. Before that, Hazard delivered a goal in Madrid's 4-1 victory over Huesca in the La Liga, where they sit second in the points table.

There is no news as of yet about whether any Inter or Huesca players have tested positive.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Peter Powell

Karim Benzema delivered another moment of magic on Sunday as Real Madrid took a two-point lead over Barcelona at the top of La Liga by beating bottom club Espanyol. 

Benzema's volley against Valencia could be the goal of the season and he might now have a claim to best assist too after his brilliant backheel teed up Casemiro to finish for a crucial 1-0 win. 

Madrid's advantage in the table, coming after Barca's draw away at Celta Vigo on Saturday, is their biggest since February and puts them within sight of their second league title in eight years.

"It's a very important win," said Benzema. "I can't say we don't look at Barcelona, of course, we do. But we're focused on our own league. There are not many games left and every game now is a final." 

Zinedine Zidane said Eden Hazard took a knock to his ankle. 

"He took a big hit but it's just a knock I think," said Zidane.

Read | Ramos free-kick sends Madrid back on top of La Liga

By the time his side play at home to Getafe on Thursday they might even have the chance to move further clear, if in-form Atletico Madrid avoid defeat on Tuesday at Camp Nou. 

Barcelona certainly have the harder run-in, with a resurgent Villarreal side to follow Atletico and then local rivals Espanyol, who have shown they might yet finish strong after a determined performance under new coach Francisco Rufete. 

Rufete, who was previously the club's sporting director, is Espanyol's fourth coach of the season after the sacking of Abelardo Fernandez on Saturday. 

His task is now to make up a nine-point gap between his team in 20th and Celta in 17th. 

They were undone by a piece of instinctive brilliance from Benzema, who has been the catalyst for Madrid sealing five wins out of five since La Liga restarted on June 11. 

Sensational assists

Benzema's backheel came on an afternoon of sensational assists after Villarreal's Santi Cazorla earlier set up Gerard Moreno with an incredible, cushioned touch in their 2-0 win over Valencia. 

"I have to give huge credit to Karim," said Casemiro. "It was an incredible assist. We're used to how good he is, I know the quality he possesses so I was expecting something. He heard me asking for it and he played it in a brilliant way."

Madrid, though, were scruffy and ponderous at the RCDE Stadium, this perhaps their least impressive win over the last three weeks. 

But solidity and steel ensured they came through unscathed and it was no surprise that defensive midfielder Casemiro, arguably the team's best player this term, was named man of the match. 

Espanyol were far from outplayed and might have been ahead if they had capitalised on a series of forays down Madrid's left in the first half. 

With Marcelo repeatedly caught upfield, Wu Lei was able to sprint clear and his early pull-back was met by Sergi Darder at the back post, only for his shot to be blocked by Dani Carvajal.

Read | Barcelona grind out Bilbao win to put pressure back on Madrid

Madrid were sloppy but created chances. Sergio Ramos headed over Casemiro's smashed effort across goal. 

A scrap in the penalty area ended with Diego Lopez palming over a half-volley from the quiet Eden Hazard. 

Espanyol were hanging on for half-time and they were caught out by Benzema. 

Ramos flicked on Marcelo's crossfield pass and Benzema, moving away from goal, backheeled off the bounce through the legs of Bernardo Espinosa for the arriving Casemiro to finish. 

Wu had another chance early in the second half but scuffed his shot and both teams seemed content to let the score lie until the latter stages, when Espanyol began to take more risks. 

Their best chance came in the 87th minute when a free-kick evaded the entire Madrid defence but Leandro Cabrera was just short at the back post. Marcelo almost deflected into his own net for the last action before the whistle blew.

Earlier, Villarreal continued their surge towards Champions League qualification with a victory over Valencia, inspired by Cazorla.

The 35-year-old found himself under a 60-yard punt from his goalkeeper before cushioning the ball out of the air perfectly for Gerard Moreno to volley in. 

Paco Alcacer also scored against his former club as Villarreal moved just three points behind fourth-placed Sevilla.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Javier Soriano

Real Madrid knocked Barcelona off the top of La Liga by beating Real Sociedad 2-1 on Sunday as Sergio Ramos rolled in another penalty before being forced off due to injury.

Karim Benzema continued his excellent form by adding a second at Anoeta and while Mikel Merino gave Real Sociedad hope with seven minutes left, Madrid held on to go above Barca on head-to-head.

Real Sociedad were contenders for the top four before the three-month suspension but a draw and two defeats since the restart leaves them sixth, five points adrift.

Ramos scored his 20th consecutive spot-kick in the 50th minute to become La Liga's highest-ever scoring defender on 68 goals, overtaking Ronald Koeman on the all-time list.

"He's the best defender in the world," said Zinedine Zidane. "What he has been doing and achieving for so many years is incredible."

But Ramos limped off 10 minutes later with what looked like a knee injury, which will be a huge concern for Madrid if the problem proves serious. He was seen sitting with an ice-pack on his left knee in the stands.

"Right now it hurts a lot but that's just the bang I think," said Zidane afterwards. "That's the good news but we'll see."

Madrid also benefitted from two tight decisions after Adnan Januzaj drove in an equaliser for Real Sociedad, only to have it ruled out before Benzema doubled the lead and was adjudged not to have controlled with his arm.

Both calls were close and the fact they fell for Madrid will not have gone unnoticed in Barcelona.

"From what we've seen it will be very difficult for Real Madrid to drop points," said Barca defender Gerard Pique on Friday.

It was Barca's failure to score at Sevilla that presented the opportunity to Madrid, whose victory in one of their toughest fixtures left has shifted the title race back in their favour.

Their defence, which boasts the club's best record at this stage in 32 years, has been key.

- Casemiro suspended -

Casemiro is suspended after picking up a yellow card although Real Mallorca at home on Wednesday is the kind of fixture Madrid should be able to negotiate, even without Ramos and their only defensive midfielder.

Zinedine Zidane will at least hope to have Eden Hazard fresh again after the Belgian was named on the bench.

Gareth Bale was also among the substitutes not to be brought on.

His replacement Vinicius Junior caused Andoni Gorosabel problems with his pace and it was the Brazilian who won the penalty, after nipping inside the defender before his right foot was caught by Diego Llorente.

Ramos made no mistake but seemed to take a bang on his knee shortly after and despite limping on for several minutes, was eventually replaced by Eder Militao.

His removal coincided with a surge from Real Sociedad, who thought they had equalised when Januzaj drove into the corner only for Merino to be ruled offside, seen to be close enough to Courtois to be interfering with the goalkeeper's line of sight.

Real Sociedad's sense of frustration was compounded when Benzema made it two.

Referee Javier Estrada again consulted VAR but this time allowed the goal to stand, believing Benzema to have controlled with his shoulder before firing in.

Merino set up a nervy finish with a thundering shot in off the crossbar but Madrid held on for an important win.

- Guedes scores brilliant solo goal -

Earlier, Goncalo Guedes scored a mesmerising solo goal as Valencia stayed in touch with the Champions League qualification places by beating Osasuna 2-0. 

Guedes picked the ball up in his own half and surged past four Osasuna players before completing his stunning run with a driven shot into the top corner. 

Rodrigo Moreno made it two at Mestalla as Valencia reduced the gap behind fourth-placed Sevilla to six points. 

Osasuna drop to 12th and their next opponents will be Alaves, who suffered a crushing 6-0 defeat away at fellow strugglers Celta Vigo. 

Alaves were reduced to 10 men after 27 minutes when Martin Aguirregabiria was sent off and Celta capitalised.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ander Gillenea

Real Madrid are reaching a point where a major squad rebuild will become necessary. A number of key performers like Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema are well into their thirties and will soon need to be replaced.

At the same time, there are a lot of players in the squad that are not part of manager Zinedine Zidane’s plans at the Santiago Bernabeu. So, there is likely to be a lot of transfer activity at the Spanish capital club when the transfer window opens for business.

But who will be shown the door and who will survive the axe? We assess the possibilities.

Goalkeepers

Thibaut Courtois

Has improved drastically after a sloppy start to the season. Undisputed no. 1 at the Bernabeu.

Verdict: Stays.

Alphonse Areola

On loan from PSG, the Frenchman is unlikely to stay beyond this season owing to the emergence of Andriy Lunin, who is currently away on loan at Oviedo.

Verdict: Leaves. 

Defence

Raphael Varane

Continues to be linked with a Jose Mourinho team as is the case every transfer window. However, the World Cup winner is the natural successor for Sergio Ramos and is going nowhere.

Verdict: Stays.

Eder Militao

Signed in a big-money deal last summer, the Brazilian has flattered to deceive. Although, the lack of an extended run of games has impacted Eder’s form.

There has been a lot of interest in securing his services ahead of the summer window. However, it is unlikely that any of the suitors would be able to meet Real Madrid’s valuation of the defender, with finances being hit by the current crisis.

Verdict: Stays.

Sergio Ramos

The Real Madrid captain’s contract is on the verge of expiry in a year. While there is no doubt he will stay at the club, it is time for the club to start the search for a long-term replacement for the Spaniard.

Verdict: Stays.

Nacho

Real Madrid’s utility man has struggled for form and fitness in the ongoing campaign. The Merengues are in need of injecting some fresh blood into their defence. And with interest from Lazio and Sevilla, the time might be right to move the academy man on this summer.

Verdict: Leaves.

Ferland Mendy

Ferland Mendy's (L) stock has been on the rise within Real Madrid. Image courtesy: AFP / Pierre-Philippe Marcou

The Frenchman endured a slow start to life in Spain but has begun to make an impression. Looks ready to take over as the first-choice left-back next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Marcelo

The 31-year-old remains a key player for Zinedine Zidane’s side. And even though he is likely to fall behind Mendy in the pecking order next term, he is expected to stay put at the Bernabeu.

Verdict: Stays.

Dani Carvajal

The Spaniard remains the undisputed first-choice right-back at Real Madrid, although that could change next season when Achraf Hakimi returns from his loan spell. Nevertheless, he will be a part of Zidane’s squad.

Verdict: Stays.

Read | How the coronavirus crisis is likely to affect the transfer market

Midfielders

Casemiro

The midfield linchpin for Real Madrid.

Verdict: Stays.

Federico Valverde

Has enjoyed a scintillating breakthrough campaign and is being groomed to take over from the ageing Luka Modric. Signed a new long-term deal with a huge release clause. There has been interest from Manchester United, but there’s no way he is leaving.

Verdict: Stays.

Toni Kroos

The German international turned 30 earlier this year, but is going strong. Signed a new contract not very long ago and will continue to essay an important role.

Verdict: Stays.

Luka Modric

The Croatian has been a brilliant servant for Real Madrid. But he will be 35 by the time the next season starts and has just a year left on his current contract. There has been interest from Inter Milan, while a move to the MLS has also been mooted.

Verdict: Leaves.

Isco

The former Golden Boy award winner enjoys the manager’s trust and his ability to play in midfield and on the wings makes him a useful quantity for Real Madrid.

Verdict: Stays.

James Rodriguez

The Colombian has never been a part of Zidane’s plans at Real Madrid, not during the Frenchman’s first stint at the club, nor now. An exit beckons.

Verdict: Leaves.

Reinier Jesus

The youngster’s transfer was completed only in January. The 18-year-old is regarded as the next big thing in Brazil and has a bright future ahead of him. However, he is likely to be more involved with the Castilla team next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Brahim Diaz

Brahim Diaz's return to Los Blancos has not been a good time. Image courtesy: AFP / Ander Gillenea

Signed from Manchester City in January last year, the Spaniard has failed to kick on since returning to his boyhood club. With Martin Odegaard expected to slot in into the first-team next term, his chances will be further hampered. An exit, on loan if not permanent, is a strong possibility.

Verdict: Leaves.

Attackers

Eden Hazard

The marquee signing of last summer has struggled to get going in his debut season in Madrid. Given his quality, expect him to make some serious waves next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Vinicius Junior

The Brazilian winger has shown signs of potential, but it is time for him to step it up a notch and perform consistently.

Verdict: Stays.

Read | Who could stay or leave this summer? Arsenal’s squad assessed

Marco Asensio

Rated as one of the best young players in Spain, Asensio has not featured this season due to ongoing injury problems. Once fit, he will be an asset for Real Madrid.

Verdict: Stays.

Rodrygo

Another youngster who has shown signs of his potential this season, Rodrygo is expected to play a more integral role going forward at Real Madrid.

Verdict: Stays.

Gareth Bale

Every transfer window it’s the same situation with Bale and Real Madrid. Will he stay, will he leave? Things haven’t always been good between the Welshman and Zidane.

But will any team be able to afford paying Bale’s transfer fee and his wages next season, with the prevailing conditions? Seems unlikely. This means he is likely to end up staying at the club.

Verdict: Stays.

Lucas Vazquez

The Spaniard has fallen down the pecking order at Real Madrid. And when given a chance, he has failed to grasp the opportunity. Has just a year left on his contract and the club will want to cash in. Time to move on for the winger.

Verdict: Leaves.

Karim Benzema

The Real Madrid ace striker has taken over as the club’s chief goalscorer since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. Is an extremely important player.

Verdict: Stays.

Luka Jovic

Signed last summer in a mega money deal, things have hardly gone to plan for the Serbian international. However, given his age and potential, the club are likely to give him another chance to come good next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Mariano Diaz

The 26-year-old has hardly been used by Zidane this season. The Frenchman had sold him once before and it is likely to happen once again this summer.

Verdict: Leaves.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Pierre-Philippe Marcou

The last decade was quite a successful one for Real Madrid, even though they weren’t able to establish complete dominance in La Liga. Yet, the Los Blancos tasted plenty of glory in Europe over the last ten years, as the wait for La Decima finally came to an end and was followed by a hat-trick of Champions League trophies between 2015 and 2018.

As has been the case over the years, Real Madrid splurged heavily on players over the last decade, with president Florentino Perez searching for Galacticos year after year. During this period, Real Madrid recruited a total of 45 players on permanent transfers. 

Not all of these players that arrived at the Bernabeu made lasting impacts, with quite a few proving to be disappointments and were moved on from the club. Some, though, played integral roles in the club’s success over the last ten years and continue to do so even now. And here, we take a look at the top five such signings that Real Madrid made in the last decade;

Read | Premier League 2019/20: Three players who exceeded expectations

Raphael Varane

Signed as a youngster with potential back in 2011 from French club Lens for a modest fee of £9 million, not many would have envisaged how critical a player Raphael Varane would go on to become for Real Madrid.

Just 26 years old, Varane has established himself as one of the finest defenders in the game. The Frenchman has been integral to every title Real Madrid have won over the last decade. He also went on to win the World Cup with France in 2018.

Varane, so far, has made over 300 appearances for Real Madrid and is primed to take over as the club captain when Sergio Ramos decides to bring an end to his career with the club. Given his age, the Frenchman should only continue to get better. For just £9 million, he has proved to be an excellent bargain for Real Madrid.

Luka Modric

Arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for a transfer fee of £32 million, it did not take long for Modric to ingratiate himself with the Real Madrid faithful. The Croatian international added that bit of quality and class to the Merengues�midfield that had been lacking for quite a while, helping them make the step up to the next level.

Read | Top five active free-kick takers in football

So, it did not come as a surprise that Real Madrid went on to win the Champions League in his second season with the club. Modric, then went on to play instrumental roles in Los Blancos�/span> UCL hat-trick under Zinedine Zidane. 

The Croatian international didn’t always get a lot of limelight, owing to the presence of stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the squad. But Modric was the heartbeat of the Real Madrid side that made history in European football last decade. The midfielder, who is entering the twilight of his career, has made 333 appearances for Madrid and won the 2018 Ballon d’Or.

Gareth Bale

Another player to arrive at the Bernabeu from Tottenham, Gareth Bale followed in Modric’s footsteps only a year later. And while he has had to endure a rocky relationship with the club’s supporters, one cannot deny the role he has played in the success Real Madrid enjoyed since his arrival.

Bale is just one short of making 250 appearances for the Spanish capital club. During his time with the club, the Welsh wing wizard has netted 105 goals, that include some very crucial strikes in the club’s history �an extra-time goal in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid in his debut season, a brace in their European Cup triumph against Liverpool in 2017-18, among others.

Read | Atalanta B.C: Andrea Agnelli’s worst nightmare

Bale has also assisted 67 goals at Madrid including the only goal in their 1-0 win over Atletico in the Champions League final in 2015-16. His strained relationship with the manager and club legend Zinedine Zidane coupled with his injury record has somewhat tarnished his legacy. But there is no taking away the fact that Bale has been critical to Real Madrid’s trophy-laden spell over the last few years.

Casemiro

Signed initially on a loan deal from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo in January 2013, Casemiro initially linked up with Real Madrid’s Castilla side. But Jose Mourinho decided to give him a break in the first-team and he was then signed permanently for just a little over £5 million.

The Brazilian spent a season away on loan with FC Porto during the 2014-15 campaign. Upon returning, Casemiro walked right into the starting lineup at Real Madrid and went on to play an important part in the club’s hat-trick of European cup triumphs. His presence added that element of stability and solidity that Real had been lacking.

"For the balance of the team, he is without a doubt [Real Madrid's] most important player. He has changed the face of Madrid," Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone had said of Casemiro ahead Real’s 2015-16 UCL triumph. 

Not always in the spotlight, Casemiro does the dirty work for Real Madrid in the middle and performs it so very well, allowing the others around him to flourish. The 28-year-old has made 229 appearances for Los Blancos and as he enters the peak years of his career, should add many more to that tally.

Read | Five strikers Real Madrid should target to replace Karim Benzema

Toni Kroos

Another central midfielder in the list, Toni Kroos had established himself as one of the finest midfielders in Europe prior to his arrival at Real Madrid in 2014. And the German international has only gone on to elevate that status much further during his stint at the Bernabeu.

Along with Modric and Casemiro, Kroos forged the perfect midfield partnership, helping Real Madrid control games from the centre. Over the years, the German pass master has helped unlock many a defence with his vision and distribution, while also scoring some important goals for the Merengues along the way.

Kroos has made over 260 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 18 goals and chalking up 68 assists. At 30 years of age, the former Bayern Munich midfielder has plenty left to offer for the Spanish heavyweights and could very well go on to add to his three Champions League winners�medal with the club.

Honourable Mentions: Keylor Navas, James Rodriguez, Isco