Real Madrid News
Mallorca defender wanted standing ovation for fouling Vinicius Jr, reveals manager
Real Madrid’s La Liga title defence took a turn for the worse as they fell to a shock 1-0 defeat to RCD Mallorca away at Son Moix today. The loss allows Barcelona an opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the table to eight points later today when they face Sevilla.
While Los Blancos’ diminishing hopes of retaining the title are a huge concern, it was Vinicius Jr once again who dominated the headlines.
The 22-year-old forward was always going to be the centre of attraction given the comments that some Mallorca defenders had made against him leading into the game.
Antonio Raillo had targeted the Real Madrid superstar, claiming that he would not want his children to idolise him. Sometime before that, Pablo Maffeo had also made comments against the Brazilian winger, saying:
“Maybe it’s not that we all hate Vinicius, it’s that there’s a reason why. When you’re hot and he tells you you’re going down to the 2nd division, it stings, it stings inside.”
The rivalries resumed very early in the game at Son Moix, as Vinicius was repeatedly overcrowded and fouled (10 times) while the home fans also booed and whistled at him at every given opportunity.
The animosity towards Vinicius has grown to such an extent within the Mallorca camp that Maffeo, who was in a direct battle against the Brazilian, wanted to be subbed off after he fouled the Real Madrid ace so that he could get a standing ovation from the fans.
This has been revealed by Mallorca manager Javier Aguirre himself, who, speaking after the game, said (h/t El Chiringuito TV): “Maffeo asked to sub him out because he wanted a standing ovation (for fouling Vinícius). I know him.”
Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez and manager Carlo Ancelotti came to the defence of Vinicius after the game as the Brazilian continues to be targeted by opponents.
The 22-year-old picked up his fifth yellow card of the season today and will thus miss the next La Liga game against Elche.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
