Real Madrid News
Benzema not injured after being left out of the squad for Real Sociedad clash – report
Real Madrid will be without their star forward Karim Benzema against Real Sociedad after the Frenchman was left out of the matchday squad for the La Liga game.
The 35-year-old has been in fine form late, having scored a hat-trick against Almeria in the previous outing, but his sudden exclusion posed several questions over the status of his fitness.
According to AS, however, although the star forward is not injured and Real Madrid have not issued any medical report regarding the same, the most likely explanation is that Carlo Ancelotti wants him to rest before the team takes on Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final and Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
The manager had hinted that the Frenchman was dealing with some fatigue yesterday, saying: “He was a little tired today, but if he’s okay, he can play.”
But the manager has now decided against risking the club captain. Instead, the manager has included youngsters Nico Paz, Carlos Dotor, Sergio Arribas and Alvaro Rodriguez in the squad while Mariano Diaz is there as well. Interestingly enough, with Benzema out, it will be interesting to see who gets the nod in attack.
Meanwhile, Benzema is not the only high-profile absentee from the fixture as Ancelotti is also going to be without Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Jr. The duo is set to sit out due to suspension.
On the other hand, veteran midfielder Luka Modric is still on the sidelines, recovering from his injury. All this means Ancelotti will have to make several adjustments to this starting lineup.
With both Benzema and Vinicius out, the Italian might as well opt to go with Eden Hazard or Federico Valverde alongside Marco Asensio and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid believe recent events vs Villarreal and Roma were necessary to unite dressing room
As is the case always, there is a lot of noise surrounding Real Madrid. The Merengues continue to wage war against FC Barcelona over the Negreira case while continuing to battle the refereeing system in La Liga.
Performances on the pitch have not met the level of expectations and there is constant scrutiny on the team and the club as a whole.
Not a coincidence
Now, according to Jose Felix Diaz of AS, Real Madrid do not view recent events as isolated incidents. At Valdebebas, the club’s leadership believes that what has happened since the start of La Liga points to something more than a series of coincidences.
In their view, the events suggest a deliberate pattern, with the four-match suspension handed to Vinícius Jr. on Wednesday representing the culmination of what they perceive as a series of provocations.
Relations between Real Madrid and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have been strained for some time, but club officials believe the latest developments go further than previous disagreements.
Their view is that what has happened “has not been accidental”, although this is a reflection of the club’s position rather than an established fact.
Vinicius suspension intensifies the dispute
Real Madrid see the four-match ban imposed on Vinicius as a provocation, both because of its length and, above all, because of the timing of its announcement. The decision was communicated less than two hours before kick-off against Roma.
The RFEF’s disciplinary decisions are usually published in the early afternoon. However, the complexity of the Vinicius case coupled with some other events delayed the publication of all the rulings, not just the one concerning the Brazilian’s red card.
Nevertheless, the timing has reinforced Real Madrid’s existing concerns about their relationship with the governing body.
Mourinho becomes the club’s public voice
The latest disagreement comes after tentative efforts to open a dialogue, which have so far failed to produce meaningful progress. Relations between the two sides appear more distant than ever.
One significant difference this time is that Jose Mourinho has become the principal spokesperson for Real Madrid’s position. The Portuguese coach is prepared to communicate the club’s views directly and without diplomatic restraint.
Mourinho represents the club’s thinking and shares its concerns. His personality and direct communication style align with the message Real Madrid want to convey.
Comeback in Rome could prove a turning point
Despite the growing tension off the pitch, Real Madrid believe their recent performances could have a positive impact within the squad.
The club consider the events of Saturday and the comeback against Roma on Wednesday to have been particularly important.
There is a strong belief at Valdebebas that the team needed moments of adversity and a comeback of that magnitude to achieve greater unity within the dressing room.
The Champions League battle in Rome is therefore viewed as more than just another result. Internally, the conviction is that the experience could help strengthen the team’s collective spirit and bring the players together at a crucial stage of the season.
