Real Madrid News
“Don’t need extra fuel” – Virgil van Dijk determined to beat Real Madrid for the first time
Real Madrid are set to take on Liverpool on Wednesday in what could be a must-win game for Los Blancos.
With just six points in four matches, Real Madrid are in a spot of bother and cannot afford to drop points, as they seek a top eight finish.
Heading into this game, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk offered his thoughts on Real Madrid. The Dutchman, who has never won against Los Blancos, is determined to bring an end to his poor record against the reigning European champions.
Van Dijk on facing Real Madrid
“If you lose two Champions League finals I think that is very, very painful,” he said in a recent media interaction (h/t Irish News).
“I’ve never won against them in my time at Liverpool or as a time as a football player.
“They found a way to win always in the past against us and it was tough. They have fantastic players, a fantastic manager, and it won’t be any different on Wednesday,” the defender added.
Van Dijk faced Real Madrid four times as a Liverpool player, with all four ending in defeats for the Reds. Two of them have come in Champions League finals.
But the Dutchman claims he needs no extra fuel to prepare for this game, stating, “I’m not that kind of guy who needs extra fuel, extra pain, in order to be better. If you need extra motivation for a Champions League game against Real Madrid then there is something wrong.”
“I don’t sense that whatsoever from the team. I know myself I am really looking forward to it and hopefully we can make it a special night together with our fans.
“I think if we win we will qualify for the knockouts so there are so many good things at stake, hopefully we can make it,” the Dutchman added.
Talking about Real Madrid’s quality as a team, van Dijk praised their ability to churn out wins in important matches.
“You are playing Real Madrid, they have quality players all over the pitch. They are one of the biggest clubs in world football and definitely in Europe over the last years,” he said.
“We stay level-headed and work hard and hopefully we will get a result. It is definitely going to happen we will play against very good players but it is the stage you want to be be playing at.
“I’m really looking forward to Wednesday and we can make it a special night,” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar expected to start vs Villarreal after returning to Spain to continue recovery
Kylian Mbappe is already back in Madrid. The Real Madrid forward landed at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport this morning accompanied by his partner, Ester Exposito, at 11:16am, according to AS.
Real Madrid were training at Valdebebas from 10:30 am, so it is clear that the Frenchman did not take part in that session.
However, he is expected at Valdebebas later today to continue his recovery and reconditioning after the knee problem he suffered, which will not prevent him from playing against Villarreal, the report further states.
What happened to Mbappe?
Mbappe suffered significant pain in his left knee during the first of France’s four matches during this international break. It was Zinedine Zidane’s debut as national team manager and the Real Madrid attacker scored the only goal of the match.
🚨 MBAPPÉ YA ESTÁ en MADRID🚨 ✈️El francés ha aterrizado a las 11:16h en la capital. 👉 El Real Madrid entrenaba hoy a las 10:30h. 📹 @marcosbenito9 https://t.co/R04FwEwHcB
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) October 5, 2026
As he struck the ball, he felt the discomfort and requested for a substitution. At Real Madrid, they believe that had he continued, the problem could have required surgery.
The striker travelled to Spain to undergo tests, and the medical examination determined that he had “hyperextension of the posterior capsule of the left knee”.
As this was the same knee in which Mbappe suffered a serious sprain last season, there was concern at Valdebebas. However, the problem has proved to be minor and Mourinho is counting on Mbappe for the match against Villarreal on 10 October.
Active rest and recovery
After the tests, Mbappe was given permission to spend a few days on active rest under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical staff.
He spent just under a week away from Madrid as part of a recovery plan in which coordination between the player, coaching staff and doctors was complete.
The France captain is now expected at Valdebebas to gradually readjust to the rhythm of the rest of the squad as the internationals return to training, with Saturday’s match in mind, where he is expected to start.
This comes as good news for Jose Mourinho, who needs the Frenchman, who has scored eight goals this term, at his best to get Real Madrid’s season back on track.
After all, Real Madrid are six points behind Barcelona in La Liga and are approaching a crucial period of the season.
