Real Madrid News
Juventus lose key player ahead of Club World Cup clash vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid have secured a place in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 following their 3-0 win over RB Salzburg.
The Spanish giants are set to face Juventus in their Round of 16 clash, which will be played on July 1.
Juventus will be a formidable opponent for Los Blancos, especially under the leadership of new manager Igor Tudor.
Juventus to miss Nicolo Savona
However, Real Madrid have been dealt with a massive boost heading into this Round of 16 clash, as Juventus are set to miss out on one of their players.
Nicolo Savona is the player in question. Inter Milan confirmed that the highly-rated right-back has been ruled out for the entirety of the competition.
Savona picked up a severe ankle sprain in the recent game against Manchester City, which Juventus 5-2.
“Diagnostic tests revealed a high-grade capsuloligamentous injury. The player has begun his rehabilitation process and will be re-evaluated in a month,” Juventus confirmed in an official statement.
This could be a major blow for Juventus as Savona had started in all three of the team’s group stage matches in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Italian’s injury appears to be quite serious as well and has been ruled out for at least two months, meaning he will be missing the pre-season as well.
While Juventus will lose out on Savona, Real Madrid are likely to be boosted by the return of star player Kylian Mbappe for this important game.
After a draw with Al Hilal, the Real Madrid team has shown glimpses of its true talents under Xabi Alonso and it will be interesting to see whether or not Los Blancos can secure a victory over Juventus and advance to the quarterfinals.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid relationship with Ballon d’Or organisers improving after major fallout – report
Real Madrid’s relationship with the Ballon d’Or suffered a spectacular fallout a couple of seasons ago during the saga involving Vinicius Junior.
However, according to MARCA (h/t Madrid Zone), relations between Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organisers are slowly improving and veering towards normality again.
Madrid and Ballon d’Or rebuilding relationship
The dispute erupted around the 2024 ceremony after Madrid learned that Vinicius Junior would not win the Ballon d’Or, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri ultimately receiving the award.
Madrid reacted strongly, deciding not to send their delegation to the ceremony in Paris despite several representatives being expected to attend.
The decision turned what should have been a celebration of Madrid’s successful season into a major controversy.
The club’s absence also made clear that the disagreement extended beyond disappointment over one individual award.
Relations subsequently became extremely strained. Now, however, the situation appears to be changing.
A significant change after 2024
For Madrid, rebuilding the relationship does not mean forgetting what happened.
The club felt strongly about the treatment surrounding the 2024 ceremony, particularly after Vinicius had been widely viewed inside Madrid as deserving of the prize.
However, remaining in a permanent dispute with one of football’s most prestigious institutions offers limited benefit.
Madrid routinely have players competing for the biggest individual honours in the sport.
Maintaining a functional relationship with the Ballon d’Or organisers is therefore the more practical position.
It is a work in progress to return the relationship to where it was before the 2024 controversy, but a first step is always good news.
A player like Kylian Mbappe is in the running to win the Ballon d’Or this year, and it would be important to mend fences ahead of a potential accolade.
Tensions beginning to ease
The important development is simply that the relationship is moving in a more positive direction.
It is significant considering how publicly and dramatically Madrid distanced themselves from the ceremony two years ago.
Ultimately, the understanding that the Ballon d’Or is an award decided by voting would help resolve a lot of this controversy.
There is absolutely no doubt that Vinicius Junior deserved to win the award in 2024 for the season he had, but that is in the past.
Madrid do not need to forget, but it is important that they mend fences with the organisers ahead of potential accolades for their superstars in the coming years.
