Real Madrid News
‘A great challenge’ – Borussia Dortmund boss braces for Real Madrid test with caution
Borussia Dortmund manager Nico Kovac could not hide his relief after his team’s hard-fought 2-1 win over Monterrey secured their place in the Club World Cup quarterfinals against Real Madrid.
Speaking after the match, Kovac called the upcoming clash a reward rather than pressure: “I’m happy. We made it through the group stage and this is a bonus.
“Facing one of the best teams in the world will be a great challenge,” he admitted, as quoted by MARCA.
Real Madrid have been on an impressive run in the FIFA Club World Cup, building momentum after a slow start.
They drew their opener 1-1 against Al-Hilal, but then showed their class by beating Pachuca, RB Salzburg, and Juventus in succession.
With each game, Madrid have looked more like a team ready to go all the way, making Saturday’s quarterfinal against Dortmund one of the most exciting fixtures in the tournament.
Players ready to make a difference
Under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have grown stronger and more confident. Young players are stepping up, adding to the team’s depth and energy. One standout is Arda Guler, who has silenced doubts about his physicality with commanding displays.
Once criticised for not having the build for Madrid, Guler is now proving he has both the skill and strength to be a key player.
His performances in this Club World Cup have been a statement, and he’s making a strong case for a starting role.
Another boost for Madrid came in their win over Juventus, when Kylian Mbappe made his return. He played just 30 minutes, but his presence alone changed the game’s tempo.
Whether he starts or comes off the bench against Dortmund, Mbappe’s quality is clear, and his ability to make a difference with his speed and finishing will give Madrid a huge edge.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
