Real Madrid News
Real Madrid handed major boost as key Liverpool midfielder picks up hamstring injury
Carlo Ancelotti’s side take on Liverpool in the finals of the UEFA Champions League in one week’s time, and have been handed a major boost following the final matchday of the Premier League season.
According to reports from Sky Sports, the Premier League side will likely be without their midfield star Thiago Alcantara for the game in Paris.
The Spanish international started Liverpool’s final league clash against Wolves earlier but was forced off at half-time owing to an injury. The former Bayern Munich man was involved in his team’s equaliser in the first half but pulled his hamstring later in the game.
Thiago’s absence comes as a big blow to Jurgen Klopp’s side. The 31-year-old has been a regular in his side’s starting XI this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists in the process.
This would be the second final Thiago would miss for his club, having already missed the League Cup final against Chelsea in February. Surprisingly, the player missed that fixture owing to a hamstring injury too.
The club have not released any official statement about the Spaniard’s injury or how long he will be out. However, recovering from a hamstring injury in less than a week is undoubtedly a big ask.
His absence hands Real Madrid a massive boost in their pursuit of the UCL title. While the Reds still have a formidable squad, Thiago’s absence will certainly help Los Blancos control the proceedings on the night,
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
Nytt Doctor
May 24, 2022 at 3:07 pm
He’s a fantastic Player but I don’t think with or without him changes the direction of Liverpool….as a Madrid fan we just have to focus on our own game…we have to play well against this Liverpool side…. let’s go… Hala Madrid 😍🔥