Real Madrid News
Man City defender on facing Real Madrid in UCL semifinals: “We will try to take revenge”
The UEFA Champions League has not disappointed this season. The competition has delivered on every aspect that it promised, from the drama to the nail-biting action and enthralling comebacks.
Now, only four teams remain in the race for European glory. The semifinal stage of the competition is set to kick off early next week and it is clear that the world’s focus will be more fixated on one semifinal than the other.
Inter Milan and AC Milan contesting a derby in the final-four stage makes up for a special storyline. Yet, one cannot help but view the game between Manchester City and Real Madrid as a clash between the two best clubs in the world.
Earlier this week, Aymeric Laporte spoke about the opposition his side face in the Champions League next week. It was clear that the Machester City defender did not forget the painful defeat at the hands of Real Madrid last season as he said:
“In the Champions League, we face another big team in Real Madrid and we will try to get our revenge from last year.”
Pep Guardiola’s side looked to have sealed a spot in the final of the prestigious competition last year and even had a two-goal lead on aggregate heading into the 90th minute of the second leg.
Two clutch goals from Rodrygo in two minutes, however, downed the confidence of the English champions and forced extra time. Karim Benzema had the pleasure of inflicting the final blow on the night as City collapsed out of the competition.
This time, however, the Blues appear to be a rung higher in terms of quality. The addition of Erling Haaland makes them a formidable side in attack, while Kevin De Bruyne’s return from injury gives Guardiola a close-to full-strength squad.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men will thus have to play at their very best if they are to advance to the next round.
Source: ManCity.com
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president dreaming of trident attack featuring €180 million-rated French starlet
Real Madrid have drawn a comprehensive roadmap for the upcoming summer transfer window and the club’s squad planning ahead of the new season, but as far as the club’s ambition is concerned, the objective is to sign Kylian Mbappe in 2024.
Real Madrid are expected to revolve everything around the idea of signing the PSG superstar next year, reports Alfredo Matilla and Sergio Santos.
As per the two Spanish journalists, Florentino Perez is envisioning a Real Madrid strikeforce comprising Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and Mbappe.
The report points out that Real Madrid view the Frenchman as a realistic target as they expect him not to accept the option of extending his contract at PSG until 2025 next year. His fallout with the PSG has been already well-documented this year.
With Les Parisien seemingly failing to live up to Mbappe’s ambition, it could only be a matter of time before he opts to leave the club. To that end, Real Madrid will be prepared, especially at the end of next season.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are starting to lose hope of signing Erling Haaland, because of the striker’s excellent relationship with Pep Guardiola which could keep him at Man City beyond 2024. Mbappe, therefore, has emerged as the top target for Los Blancos.
The potential strikeforce comprising Vinicius, Rodrygo and Mbappe could see Real Madrid operating in a 4-3-3 formation, with Mbappe playing at the centre. It must be noted that the club are also involved in the pursuit of Kai Havertz.
The German could be an intriguing addition to this strikeforce – potentially making Real Madrid one of the most feared attacking sides in Europe. However, it remains to be seen whether or not Los Blancos can actually manage to pull the signing of Mbappe or Havertz in the near future.
