Real Madrid News
Federico Valverde on Madrid winning their 15th UCL: “Will match my shirt number”
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has said that he is confident of winning the 15th Champions League title, despite drawing 1-1 with Manchester City in the first leg of the semi-final.
In a recent interview, the Uruguayan international has backed his team to secure a victory in the second leg, where Real Madrid must ensure a win in order to qualify for the final.
“A 1-1 draw in the first leg? They always taught us in Madrid that we play until the end, so we have 90 minutes left,” Valverde told Diario AS.
Real Madrid are indeed known for their pedigree in the UEFA Champions League. They have won the competition 14 times – more than any other team in Europe.
Even when the chips are down, the Spanish giants always seem to find a way and Valverde expects his team to do just that next week. The player reiterated Real Madrid’s powers in the competition while adding that winning the 15th title could be a special occasion for him.
“Playing in the Champions League is special because it’s Real Madrid’s competition,” he said. “Winning the 15th UCL for Real Madrid will be incredible as it will match with my shirt number.”
Federico Valverde had to operate as a central midfielder during Real Madrid’s first-leg match against Manchester City. But recent reports suggest Carlo Ancelotti might shift to a 4-4-2 formation in the second leg, which could see the Uruguayan operate out wide.
Having already been involved in 18 goals in all competitions this season, Valverde’s tenacity and ability to provide a scare in the final third will be of necessity as Real Madrid look to turn the tide in their favour at the Etihad next week.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
