Real Madrid News
La Liga legend weighs in on Real Madrid’s clash with the league – ‘Their statement is the tip of the iceberg’
The upcoming derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid is always a highly anticipated event, but it won’t be a game that determines the outcome of La Liga.
That is the view of former goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, who played for notable clubs like Celta Vigo, Real Madrid, and Valencia. Now a football commentator, Canizares believes it’s premature to see this match as decisive for the league title.
He reflects on past experiences, recalling how assumptions about Barcelona’s title chances after their commanding win at the Bernabeu were made too early.
“I don’t think the derby will decide La Liga. We already made that mistake when Barça won resoundingly at the Bernabeu and then those of us who thought that.
“Although there was a lot of La Liga left, Barça had a difference in points and considerable solvency,” he said as quoted by SPORT.
On the pressing issue
One of the pressing issues surrounding this derby is the ongoing conflict between Real Madrid and other football agents in Spain concerning refereeing decisions. According to Canizares, referees are often unfairly blamed for mistakes.
“The climate of tension has been marked by a very serious mistake against Madrid. The same would have happened against Atletico Madrid. Perhaps we are overreaching, but Madrid’s statement is only the tip of the iceberg.”
The criticism referees face, he argues, is disproportionate, as few acknowledge their influence when decisions benefit teams. The complaints always seem louder than the rare words of appreciation.
“I think that behind all this there have been statements from all over the world, complaints from all over the world and surprisingly no one thanks the referees when a mistake conditions the match in their favour. Everyone always complains.”
Defending Ancelotti
When it comes to derby games, Canizares highlights the crucial role of coaches. He believes that while player talent and personality matter, these matches require something more—experience, strategic thinking, and composure under pressure.
“Coaches have a lot to do with these types of games. It is a match where the talent and personality of the players prevail much more.
“They are different games, which are played at many revolutions and experience and other concepts matter a lot,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Canizares does not see a clear frontrunner for the La Liga title. All the top teams have shown inconsistencies, making it difficult to predict an outright winner.
“I don’t see a clear favourite to win La Liga. There is a long way to go and the three teams have shown irregularities at certain times and not have a constant presence when it comes to getting points.”
He emphasises that the months of April and May will be critical in shaping the league standings.
Additionally, he notes that this season’s competitiveness is heightened by improved performances from teams lower in the table compared to previous years, making LaLiga more unpredictable and exciting for fans.
“The months of April and May will make the difference. I think it’s a league of three and we should be grateful that the teams below are more competitive than last year and that LaLiga is so competitive,” he added.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
