Real Madrid News
Liverpool superstar facing a race against time to be ready for Real Madrid clash
With the second half of the campaign well underway, Real Madrid are facing a tough period ahead as they not only look to overtake Barcelona in the league table but also do well in the UEFA Champions League.
The reigning European champions are poised to face Liverpool in the Round of 16 of the Champions League. The first leg will be played on February 21 at the iconic Anfield.
According to the Daily Mail, Real Madrid could be handed a major boost heading into this contest as Liverpool’s star player Virgil van Dijk is facing a race against time to be fit for the match.
The defender suffered a hamstring injury and was taken off during Liverpool’s defeat to Brentford earlier this week. The injury was not thought to be severe at first, but it appears his hamstring complaints are more serious, which in turn, could put him out on the sidelines for a significant period.
Jurgen Klopp, who was confident about van Dijk returning at the earliest, now faces a dilemma. Van Dijk is set to undergo a scan to determine the extent of his injury, but everything suggests he could find it difficult to be fit in time for the Real Madrid game.
This could serve as a blow for the Liverpool team that have been leaking goals all season. Even with van Dijk leading the backline, the Reds have struggled to remain resilient and their problems could increase tenfold without the services of their Dutch defensive giant, especially against a team like Real Madrid.
The Merengues have been far from perfect in the defensive department this season. But they have been excellent going forward, even with star man Karim Benzema struggling with injuries.
With van Dijk potentially ruled out, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Benzema will hope to cause tandem in Liverpool’s defensive lines when these two teams meet each other in February.
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.
