Real Madrid News
Liverpool get massive injury boost ahead of Real Madrid clash
Real Madrid and Liverpool share a rich history in the UEFA Champions League. However, Los Blancos have dominated the Merseyside team in the recent past, with their last loss to them dating back to 2009.
The two European giants have faced off in two UCL finals in the last five years, including the grand finale of last year. On both occasions, it was the Merengues who triumphed. Further, the Spanish side defeated Liverpool 3-1 on aggregate in the Quarterfinals of the 2020-21 edition.
Real Madrid lock horns with the familiar opposition again next week, this time in the Round of 16 of the European competition. Ahead of the tie, there are significant developments in Jurgen Klopp’s camp.
According to reports from Carrusel Deportivo, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Virgil Van Dijk is ready to face Real Madrid in the clash next week in what comes as a significant boost to the English side’s chances.
“Is Van Dijk fit? I think so, yeah. Yesterday he looked absolutely ready. I think today he will look the same and then we will make a decision,” Klopp said.
The centre-back last played for Liverpool on January 2nd against Brentford in their 3-1 loss after suffering a hamstring injury and has been out since. After over a month on the sidelines, he is expected to play in the team’s fixture against Newcastle later this week.
Klopp’s men have been absolutely abysmal this season and currently sit in ninth place in the Premier League with seven losses in 21 games. They face a difficult clash against fourth-placed Newcastle United at the weekend before hosting the defending European Champions midweek.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
