Real Madrid News
Davide Ancelotti singles out Real Madrid standout after win over Atletico Madrid – ‘Not from this world’
Federico Valverde played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
His impact on the game was so significant that the crowd gave him a standing ovation when he was substituted towards the closing stages.
Carlo Ancelotti was full of appreciation for the midfielder, who was deployed in a defensive role, and even Davide Ancelotti could not hold back his admiration for the Uruguayan’s performance.
Performing even when not fit
Despite not being in peak physical condition and possibly carrying a slight injury, Valverde started the match and executed his role to perfection.
Aware of the need to manage his workload, Ancelotti opted to take him off before the 80th minute to prevent any risk of aggravating his condition and to allow him some rest.
Towards the end of the game, assistant coach Davide Ancelotti took a moment to speak with him, acknowledging his immense contribution on the pitch.
Davide’s praise for the midfielder
As someone who closely monitors everything happening within the Santiago Bernabeu dressing room, Davide has been particularly attentive to Valverde’s fitness in recent days.
There was concern about his physical condition, but the Uruguayan proved his resilience once again.
“You are not from this world, the physical work and the effort you have put in has been something enormous,” said Davide to Valverde.
While there are still questions about when he will be back at full strength, the coaching staff is well aware of his commitment and tireless work ethic.
Valverde’s relentless efforts often go unnoticed, as he is not one to seek the spotlight. However, his focus remains clear—recovering in time to be fully fit for the return leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
