Manuel Pellegrini has been coaching Real Madrid for 100 days. These are the highlights of his run so far.

2 June: Manuel Pellegrini was officially presented as the team's new coach after a five-year stint at Villarreal.

3 June: The Chilean coach visited Valdebebas for the first time.

30 June: Manuel Pellegrini's new squad began to take shape with the signing and presentation of Kaka. Next to arrive were Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Garay, Xabi Alonso, Albiol, Arbeloa and Granero.

20 July: Pellegrini coached his first match against Irish side Shamrock Rovers. Despite the fact that it was the squad's first game, the players clearly tried to keep possession at all times and pressurised in their opponent's half of the pitch. Real Madrid won 1-0.

29 August: Manuel Pellegrini made his debut as Real Madrid's coach in La Liga defeating Deportivo La Coruña 3-2.

The squad has eight new players and the coach has managed to make every single member of the team feel important. This has helped the players blend on the pitch. Men like Lass, Higuain and Guti have consolidated themselves as key figures on the team.

The crowd at the Bernabeu has so far been thrilled by Pellegrini's attacking drive and the freedom he gives his men on the pitch.

Another round of qualifiers is on tap prior to Real Madrid’s return to league action. Spain can clinch its berth for South Africa, while Portugal and Argentina desperately need a win to hang on.

Real Madrid’s Dutchmen are in the driver’s seat. Rafael van der Vaart and the rest of the Oranje have won all seven matches, and despite visiting Scotland on Wednesday are well on their way to South Africa.

Casillas, Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and Raul Albiol can help Spain clinch a berth in next summer’s competition with a victory against Estonia.

Germany is also top in its group with 19 points. Christoph Metzelder and company square off against Azerbaijan in Hannover in hopes of maintaining its edge over Russia.

Portugal drew against Denmark on Saturday and sits in fourth place with ten points. Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe must win in Hungary if they are to have any chance at all.

France is currently second in its group, but Lass and Benzema have a great opportunity to cut into Serbia’s four point lead as they take on the group leader

Kaka and high-flying Brazil have mathematically qualified for the World Cup and host Chile in Salvador de Bahia. The Madridista midfielder is not available, however, after being suspended for accumualtion of yellow cards and returning to Madrid.

Gago and Argentina, meanwhile, visit Paraguay while sitting fourth in the table after losing to the Seleção over the weekend.