Real Madrid News
Former Atletico forward reveals what it was really like facing Ramos and Pepe: ‘They were very real dogs’
Few players embodied intensity quite like Diego Costa during his peak years in Spanish football.
The former Atletico Madrid striker built a reputation not just for scoring goals, but for thriving in physical and emotional battles, especially in Madrid derbies against Real Madrid.
Now 37 and retired, Costa recently appeared on Mario Suarez’s podcast, where he reflected on some of the fiercest duels of his career.
Facing Ramos and Pepe
Naturally, the conversation turned to his repeated clashes with Real Madrid’s iconic defensive pairing of Sergio Ramos and Pepe.
The derby between Atletico and Real Madrid was always heated, and Costa was often at the centre of it.
On the pitch, tempers flared. Off it, however, things were very different.
When asked directly about his famous confrontations with the two centre-backs, Costa made an honest admission about their relationship beyond the rivalry.
Asked about those intense moments, he explained that things were never personal once the final whistle blew.
“They are men, like me. They defended their own, and I defended mine, although it all stayed on the field. Ramos and Pepe were very real dogs.
“At Madrid, you can always hit harder. On the other hand, when Piqué and Puyol hit me, they apologised.
“The games against Barcelona were very difficult because we had to defend. With Madrid, I could compete more,” he admitted.
Despite the confrontations, there was admiration. Costa did not hide the fact that those duels pushed him to elevate his level.
He revealed that Sergio Ramos and Pepe “were the two defenders I liked to face the most. They were very good and made you raise your game to the maximum,” he said.
Ramos and Pepe were known for their aggressive defending, leadership and mental strength.
Facing them required courage and sharpness, qualities that Costa prided himself on.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
