Real Madrid News
Mallorca midfielder expresses confidence ahead of Real Madrid clash: ‘We can compete against them’
Pablo Torre has opened up about Mallorca’s current situation ahead of their difficult La Liga clash against Real Madrid, offering a mix of realism and belief as the season reaches its decisive phase.
Reflecting on Mallorca’s campaign so far, the midfielder acknowledged the challenges the team has faced while also highlighting the progress made along the way.
“It’s been a complicated season, but also a learning experience. We’re competing better, growing in many aspects. Now we have nine finals left,” he began.
Match against Real Madrid
Looking ahead to the test against Real Madrid, Torre did not underestimate the scale of the challenge. He admitted,
“It’s always difficult to play against Real Madrid,” recognising the quality and experience of their opponents.
However, he quickly shifted the story towards opportunity rather than fear. Expanding on that mindset, Torre added,
“It’s time to show that we don’t deserve to be in this situation… and also to enjoy ourselves.”
The former Barcelona midfielder made it clear that Mallorca are not approaching the match with a defensive mindset. Rather, he stated, “We can compete against them.”
He also pointed to specific factors that could work in Mallorca’s favour, something that his manager, Martin Demichellis, also said.
“They’re coming off an international break, which is never easy to manage. It could be the perfect moment to spring a surprise.”
Beyond the fixture, Torre also shared his view on the La Liga title race, making a statement about Barcelona.
He said the Catalan side are currently “the strongest team”, positioning them as the leading contenders.
Given his Barcelona’s past, and the Blaugrana’s position in the league table, Torre’s comments are quite understandable.
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Mourinho sticks to his Champions League tradition ahead of Real Madrid’s clash vs AS Roma
Real Madrid are set to take on AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday in Italy.
Having returned from the international break with a 1-0 win over Villarreal, Los Blancos will be eager to build on it and record their second win in Europe, after beating Inter Milan last month.
Mourinho continues his tradition
And, as reported by Diario AS, the Real Madrid squad trained at Valdebebas before travelling for their Champions League fixture, just as they did during Jose Mourinho’s first spell in charge between 2010 and 2013.
The approach breaks with the usual Champions League routine of training at the opposition’s stadium on the eve of a match.
Real Madrid had largely remained an exception to this trend. Mourinho was the first to change the club’s established procedure, but after his departure in 2013, the routine had returned.
Now, the club are going back to the approach he introduced. Following the training session, the squad will fly to Rome in the afternoon.
Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa followed the same approach
Xabi Alonso revived the practice last season in order to avoid giving direct access to his team’s preparations to the opposition. After Alonso’s dismissal, Alvaro Arbeloa continued the practice.
The team travel to the opposition’s stadium for the press conference, but otherwise complete their preparations at Valdebebas before flying out a few hours later.
Exceptions are made when the journey is too long to make the routine practical, as was the case with Almaty. Rome, however, is a relatively short trip, allowing Mourinho to maintain his preferred schedule.
Real Madrid’s flight is expected to depart at around 15:00, with the pre-match press conference scheduled for 18:00 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Four expected absentees
There were no new injury concerns, with Real Madrid set to travel without four players, all of whom were already expected to miss the match.
Eder Militao has returned to group training but still needs time to regain match fitness. Meanwhile, Raul Asencio remains unavailable after undergoing surgery for a fracture in his right tibia.
Ferland Mendy is also back training with his teammates but is expected to need slightly longer than Militao before returning to action. Rodrygo remains a long-term absentee.
