Real Madrid News
Eden Hazard orchestrates the move for his goal by giving mid-game advice to Carvajal
Real Madrid’s defence of their UEFA Champions League crown was off to a great start as they defeated Scottish giants Celtic 3-0 away at Parkhead.
It was not the most comfortable of wins for Los Blancos as the scoreline might indicate as Celtic pushed and probed hard in the first half which ended goalless.
However, Real Madrid stepped it up a notch after the break to cruise to a crucial victory, even though they were without star man Karim Benzema, who had been taken off with an injury.
Vinicius Junior got the ball rolling before Luka Modric doubled the Merengues‘ lead. The third goal came from Eden Hazard, the man who was sent on to replace the injured Benzema.
The Belgian international has made a slow start to the season and was low on confidence after the penalty miss against Celta Vigo a couple of weeks back.
However, he looked in good touch at Celtic Park and made things happen on the pitch, before finding the back of the net, which was the cherry on top. Apart from putting the ball into the net, Hazard had a key involvement in the buildup to his goal.
It was the 31-year-old who instructed right-back Dani Carvajal to make a forward run into the box, which was then found by Toni Kroos’ sublime pass. And Carvajal squared it up for Hazard to tap in and make it 3-0. It was his first goal from open play in the Champions League in five years.
Hazard points to Carvajal to make the run.
— Hazard Xtra. (@HazardXtra) September 7, 2022
Then he shields the defender to keep Carvajal onside.
Attacks the space and scores a goal.
Brilliant @hazardeden10 💫 pic.twitter.com/xyp7kDclCz
Hazard’s return to goalscoring form bodes well for Real Madrid as Benzema is likely to miss out against RCD Mallorca this weekend in La Liga.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
