Real Madrid News
Ancelotti insists Courtois still in contention for El Clasico, more tests to be done tomorrow
Just a while ago, reports from several media outlets claimed that Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out of El Clasico against Barcelona this weekend.
The 29-year-old did not train with the rest of the group earlier today and it was believed that he will not be ready in time to face the Blaugrana at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon.
However, manager Carlo Ancelotti has now claimed that the Belgian international could still be in contention to feature against the La Liga leaders as he had ‘good feelings’ in training today.
As quoted by Serge Quirante of DAZN, Ancelotti said: “Courtois trained today, he felt good and tomorrow they will have another test.”
This comes in complete contrast to earlier reports and offers Madridistas a glimmer of hope that Courtois could still feature when Barcelona come to town.
The 29-year-old has been a clutch performer for Real Madrid over the past year, and had a huge hand in their La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs in the 2021/22 campaign.
While he may have not kept a single clean sheet in La Liga this season, the Belgian international had still made key contributions, up until his injury.
As informed by Ancelotti, the former Chelsea goalkeeper will be subjected to more tests tomorrow before his availability for the blockbuster clash on Sunday can be determined.
If he is not passed fit, Andriy Lunin is all set to line up between the sticks for the reigning La Liga champions. The Ukrainian has started in each of Real Madrid’s last four matches in all competitions, but a Clasico will be a whole new experience for the young custodian.
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.
