Real Madrid News
Chelsea defender hails Real Madrid superstar as the ‘best in the world’ ahead of UCL clash
Karim Benzema was the hero at Stamford Bridge when Real Madrid and Chelsea met last season in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. The French striker scored a stellar hat-trick on the night, putting the English side 3-1 down on aggregate.
The London-based side mounted a stunning comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg, going 3-0 up on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.
However, it was Benzema again who delivered the final blow after Rodrygo’s late equaliser to send Chelsea crashing out.
The French striker has enjoyed special numbers against the Blues in recent years and will be eyeing another great night on Wednesday when the two teams face off in Madrid.
Ahead of the clash, Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly commented on Benzema’s ability to make a difference and called him the best in the business as revealed by BBC Sport.
“He’s the best striker in the world… I hope he continues to score, but not on Wednesday.”
The Senegalese centre-back is expected to start in defence for Frank Lampard’s side midweek and will be faced with the ultimate challenge of controlling Benzema. Given that he only joined Chelsea in the summer, it will be his first game with the team against Real Madrid.
Benzema has roared back into form in recent weeks after a seemingly poor start to the season. His hat-trick against Real Valladolid in La Liga was followed by another hat-trick against Barcelona in the semifinal of the Copa Del Rey as he led his side to a spot in the finals.
The veteran was substituted early against Villarreal on Saturday, presumably with the game in Chelsea at the back of Carlo Ancelotti’s mind. Needless to say, a lot will be riding on the striker’s back come Wednesday.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
