Real Madrid News
Elche winger confident of pulling off a surprise vs Real Madrid – ‘We can do it’
After an extraordinary win over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid will be full of confidence as they take on Elche this weekend.
It is a must-win game for Los Blancos in the context of the title race, with the team currently trailing league leaders Barcelona by four points.
Elche, though, are a tough nut to crack and had almost secured a victory against Real Madrid when the two sides met during the first half of the season. The game ended in a 2-2 draw.
This time around, Elche star German Valera is feeling equally optimistic about his team’s chances of pulling off an upset against a side that beat Manchester City 3-0 this midweek.
Valera on facing Real Madrid
Speaking ahead of the game, Valera was asked about the prospect of facing Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu and whether or not his team has any chance.
“I think we can do it. In the home game, we already showed we deserved to win. Although the Bernabéu is a very difficult stadium, the team, despite our current form, remains very confident. We’re really eager and we’re going there to try and win,” he said.
Valera was also asked about Real Madrid’s brilliant result against Manchester City in midweek, where Federico Valverde’s first-half hat-trick secured them a 3-0 victory in the first leg.
“It’s Real Madrid, even if they rotate their squad, they’re a team with the best players in the world. It’s true they have a heavy workload of matches and that can be noticeable. Even so, it will be a very difficult match,” he said.
Talking about Elche’s strategy heading into this game, Valera revealed that the idea is to make Real Madrid run as much as possible.
“That’s kind of the idea. It’s also true that, because of our style of football, we’ll try to wear them down with the ball so they’re not so fresh,” he added.
Valera further said that Elche must be together and not get overwhelmed by the crowd at Santiago Bernabeu.
“We have to be ourselves and know how to face difficult moments and not fall apart. That could be the key.
“When tough times come, we have to be more of a team than ever, stick together, and do what we know how to do. That’s what has worked for us,” he said.
Finally, the winger pointed out that Elche cannot afford to give Real Madrid the opportunity to take the lead, failing which they may suffer.
“Great teams punish you when you make a mistake. It’s something we’ve been talking about. In many phases of the game we play well as a team, but if they take the lead, we have to learn to suffer.
“I think that’s where we need to take another step forward to keep fighting despite conceding,” he concluded.
Source: Diario AS
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
