Real Madrid News
Ex-Real Madrid starlet elated after impressing in historic upset win for Albacete: ‘Still digesting it’
Albacete enjoyed one of the greatest victories in their history last night when they eliminated Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey after defeating them 3-2.
Interestingly, former Real Madrid starlet Lorenzo Aguado, who left the club to join Albacete last summer, was one of the key figures in the victory.
The right-back started the game on the night at Estadio Carlos Belmonte and managed to ensure that Vinicius Jr. did not have a major influence on proceedings throughout the night.
Loren Aguado elated
Speaking to Radio MARCA earlier today, Aguado acknowledged that the match was “very special” both for him and for the city of Albacete, and highlighted the significance of the win.
“For the city it is something historic and for us something unique,” he said, explaining that the team and supporters experienced “a wonderful night, celebrating all together”.
On a personal level, the defender admitted that he was still processing everything he had experienced after knocking out the club where he grew up as a footballer.
“I’m still digesting it, but being able to compete against the best players in the world and beat them is something unique,” he stated.
The former Real Madrid academy player confessed that the equalising goal in stoppage time was a critical moment.
“Everything goes through your head, you even think more about extra time,” he said, although he highlighted the team’s ability to recover quickly and secure progression to the next round of the Copa del Rey.
The Albacete player explained that the key lay in the game plan and collective belief from the start, regardless of the opponent’s situation.
“From the first moment we knew we had a chance,” he assured, emphasising that the team focused on itself.
“Real Madrid are always Real Madrid, but we were clear that staying together, focused, and sticking to the plan was the key.”
Aguado also played down the importance of the change of coach at Real Madrid, insisting: “Real Madrid’s players are the best in the world, and we had to be very attentive to the details.”
Finally, Aguado assessed his duel with Vinicius on the night, acknowledging the challenge involved in going up against the Real Madrid superstar.
“You are never prepared for Vinicius to attack you, he is one of the best in the world. I had to defend Vini in some training sessions,” he said, suggesting that the training sessions at Real Madrid where he faced Vinicius helped him.
With the international break done and dusted, Real Madrid will be back in action this weekend in La Liga, where they will be looking to catch up to league leaders FC Barcelona.
Coming up for Jose Mourinho & co., who lost their last game before the international break, will be a home game against Villarreal on Saturday.
And, leading up to the game, the Spanish capital club have received welcome news on the injury front.
Mbappe back in group training
Indeed, as per MARCA, Kylian Mbappe will be available for Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Having been training individually so far this week, the France captain rejoined group training under Mourinho today, taking a concrete step forward towards making himself available for the game.
The forward looked relaxed and ready to work, putting his boots back on and joining the group as Real Madrid prepare for a demanding run of fixtures throughout October.
And, unless there is any unforeseen setback, everything suggests that Mbappe will be ready to start against the Yellow Submarine come Saturday.
Under scrutiny
The past few weeks have been nothing short of eventful for Mbappe, with his every action and movement under heavy scrutiny.
Playing for France, in Zinedine Zidane’s managerial debut, the 27-year-old superstar scored a goal before asking for a substitution due to a knee injury.
Having flown back to Madrid, he underwent tests, which confirmed the injury, although it was not as serious as was initially feared.
The forward then took week-long holiday with his partner that sparked some debate among supporters and attracted criticism from multiple quarters.
Mbappe returned to Madrid on Monday and participated in individual sessions at Valdebebas over the past couple of days. Now he has resumed normal training with his teammates.
There had been doubts over whether Mbappe would be able to face Villarreal after he picked up the injury on 25 September.
However, the recovery plan followed by the forward appears to have worked, and he is now expected to be in a fully fit condition for Saturday’s match.
