Real Madrid News
La Liga captain critical of Real Madrid’s season – ‘Did not like them at all’
Villarreal midfielder Dani Parejo has not held back when it comes to giving his honest thoughts on Real Madrid’s 2024/25 campaign.
Speaking to El Larguero The Villarreal star spoke openly about his disappointment with the way Los Blancos played this season, especially considering the quality in their squad.
According to Parejo, Real Madrid’s overall level has been far below what is expected of a club of their stature.
“It’s true that Real Madrid had big injuries that were not compensated for,” he admitted, before adding, “but I understand football in a different way and what I saw this season didn’t convince me.”
He went on to say, “Honestly, I didn’t like Real Madrid at all this season. Tactically and defensively, they have been very weak, especially defensively.”
Injuries, poor performances and Barcelona domination
There is no hiding that Real Madrid have had a rough season. While they did win the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, those were rare bright spots in an otherwise frustrating campaign.
A series of injuries to key players badly disrupted the squad, and their overall performances were far from convincing.
They suffered an early exit from the UEFA Champions League and were beaten by Barcelona not once, not twice, but four times across different competitions.
“This season, Real Madrid have been at a very, very, very low level, given the players they have and what they can give.”
However, he admitted, “Real Madrid is Real Madrid and will always be there. They have magnificent players who can win a game in two moves.”
Despite Parejo’s comments, his own Villarreal side failed to make a mark in direct battles against Real Madrid.
In their two meetings this season, Madrid came out on top both times, scoring four goals across the two games and conceding just once.
It serves as a reminder that even in one of their worst seasons, Real Madrid still had the firepower to dominate clubs like Villarreal.
Real Madrid News
Nico Paz’s message to Real Madrid after historic Champions League night: ‘I made the right decision’
Como had a night to remember in the history of their football club, taking part in the Champions League for the first time.
The Italian side’s rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, and under the astute guidance of Cesc Fabregas, they have reached the biggest competition in club football.
Como faced RB Leipzig on their Champions League debut, securing a 4-1 victory to mark the occasion, with Nico Paz starring for the Italians.
He delivered another reminder of his development away from Real Madrid, and the 22-year-old has become a star in his own right.
Paz shines on historic night for Como
The former Madrid academy attacking midfielder produced two assists as Como secured the win against the Bundesliga side.
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Paz made it clear that he has no regrets about choosing to continue his career in Italy.
“It was a historic night. We played an incredible match. We were really looking forward to playing this game. I think we approached it in the best possible way. We are happy with the match we played,” Paz said.
Paz had already established himself as an important player in Serie A. Performing with similar influence in the Champions League is another test entirely, and he passed it with flying colours.
The Argentine also addressed his decision to remain at Como rather than return to Real Madrid.
“I thought this was the place where I was going to grow the most, and I think I made the right decision. I am very happy with my decision,” he said.
At Madrid, Paz would have entered an extremely competitive midfield and faced uncertainty over regular minutes.
At Como, he has responsibility, continuity and now the opportunity to develop through Champions League football.
The 22-year-old believes evenings such as the victory over Leipzig demonstrate why staying was the correct choice.
The road not taken ft. Nico Paz
Paz is one of the biggest examples that the conventional path to stardom is not the only way for young players in their footballing careers.
Many starlets are guilty of moving to big clubs earlier than they are ready and then seeing their development stagnate because of a lack of minutes.
Paz, on the other hand, has consistently veered away from this. Despite coming through Castilla, he has built a career for himself in Italy.
There is absolutely no doubt who the star of this Como team is, and the 22-year-old gets more responsibility at a young age than he would have at a club like Madrid.
The Serie A side is proving to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in Europe, and Madrid fans in particular will be curious to see how Paz fares over the course of the campaign.
