Real Madrid take player off the market after recent performances lead to new role

Real Madrid were without Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni started their win over Atalanta, but it was not Luka Modric who came into midfield, but rather Dani Ceballos. The 28-year-old has put together a string of performances in recent weeks.

Ceballos was a target for Real Betis in the summer, and was set to be again in January, with Los Blancos willing to let him leave for €15m. There were doubts about whether they could come up with that money, but now it looks like no offer they submit in January will be good enough.

"Ceballos played a spectacular game, Fran García played a top-level performance. The second string is contributing a lot and it is very good news. The victory gives us a breath of fresh air."