Real Madrid News
Luis Figo talks Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham, Bayern Munich tie – ‘Should always be on the field’
Real Madrid face a massive challenge in turning around a one-goal deficit in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League. What makes it difficult, however, is not the objective itself but the circumstances and the opposition.
Facing one of the team’s most in-form teams in Bayern Munich, Los Blancos will be put to a tough test midweek. Moreover, they play away from home, handing the Bavarians a serious upper hand.
Real Madrid enter the game winless after the international break with one draw and two losses across competitions. To turn it around against Bayern Munich would be a massive statement, and while it is difficult, it is not impossible.
Figo’s opinion
Real Madrid legend Luis Figo spoke to AS, where he was asked about the current scoreline between the two European giants and what he made of Real Madrid’s chances.
“Without a doubt, it is a difficult tie and the 1-2 is a complicated result to turn around, but if there is a team with the greatness and quality to achieve it, it is Real Madrid.”
“That’s why, despite the unfavourable result of the Bernabéu and the history of this competition, I think they are going to the semifinals,” he added, backing Los Blancos.
He then explained how clinical finishing and efficiency would be all that mattered for Real Madrid on the night, especially in terms of it being away from home.
“Without a doubt, efficiency is important and more so in a game like this. In addition, it is played away from home and at a disadvantage after the first game.”
Continuing, he added: “It is obvious that if Vinicius and Mbappe are effective and are successful, it will be much easier to achieve a positive result.
“But the important thing is to sustain the strength of Bayern’s attack. Do not suffer and have, as soon as possible, control of the game.”
Figo then spoke on the midfield options, specifically on Aurelien Tchouameni who is suspended and Jude Bellingham who did not start the first leg.
“Yes, it is a striking loss. Tchouameni is an important player in the team’s balance, but I think Real Madrid has alternatives to replace him.”
“Could it be Bellingham? I think so. He has shown in the first leg at the Bernabeu that he has entered very well from the bench and that he has quality to spare to be unbalanced and change the result,” he added.
“For me, Bellingham should always be on the field, it’s logical,” he concluded on Bellingham.
Finally, he praised Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and even spoke of the youngster possibly joining Real Madrid.
“It’s just that he played a great game. He has incredible quality. I love him as a player. If he continues his projection, he will always be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or.”
“Could he play for Real Madrid? He has the quality to play in any team in the world, be it Madrid or another,” he added.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
