Real Madrid News
Ivan Rakitic blames referee for Sevilla defeat: ‘Camavinga should have been sent off’
Carlo Ancelotti has had few options on midfield apart from the usual trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro this season. However, one youngster whom he has trusted is Eduardo Camavinga.
The young French star received a start against Sevilla last night, and made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Half an hour into the game, Camavinga went into the referee’s book for a late challenge on Jesus Corona. Despite being on a yellow card, he did not slow down.
The youngster jumped into a rash challenge on Anthony Martial in the 38th minute. He dived towards the Englishman from the back, catching his ankle leading to a horrific clash.
Sevilla erupted in unison asking for a second yellow to cut short Camavinga’s stay. However, the referee decided that it was not enough to warrant a red card and booked Martial instead.
Ivan Rakitic spoke to the media in the post-match press conference (h/t DAZN) and said he felt that Camavinga should have received his marching orders. He also gave his verdict about Vinicius Jr’s 78th-minute goal that was ruled out for ball handling.
“Camavinga should’ve been sent off and the goal Vinicius scored was a clear handball. I don’t know why there were so many protests.”
Camavinga played 45 minutes at the Ramon Sanchez Pijzuan before being replaced by Rodrygo. He had 40 touches, completed 90% of his passes, and completed two recoveries on the night.
Nevertheless, it is safe to say that Ancelotti’s decision to bring on Rodrygo was the right one as the Brazilian was instrumental in Los Blancos’ comeback.
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.
