Real Madrid News
Man City winger wary of Real Madrid threat – ‘Achieve a comeback in the last five minutes’
As Barcelona and Atletico Madrid rest for a week before their next games, Real Madrid face the punishment for their inconsistent performances in the UEFA Champions League.
Having failed to secure a top-8 berth, Los Blancos find themselves in the playoff and must win over two legs to ensure they secure a place in the Round of 16.
The draw, however, only made the route to the next round harder as Carlo Ancelotti’s men were drawn up against Manchester City and will now face Pep Guardiola’s men in the first leg tomorrow night.
Manchester City star previews the game
Speaking to the media ahead of the blockbuster UEFA Champions League clash, Manchester City star Savinho gave his two cents about the upcoming clash and how it was a big moment for him to be part of the famed game.
“I always watched Manchester City against Real Madrid on television when I played for Atletico Mineiro, and now, it’s my turn to be here living this moment.”
“There were not many options in the draw, it was either Bayern or Real Madrid, two great teams, and we got Real Madrid,” he added, speaking on how Manchester City were destined to face a European giant anyhow.
He then opened up on the conversations he had in the dressing room with his teammates and the experiences he heard about how grueling it is to play against Real Madrid.
“I talked to Bernardo and even with Real Madrid players while I was with them in the national team, and they told me that sometimes, due to the strength of their shield, let’s say they are losing 2-0, 3-0 and the game is not over.”
“They know that they can do what they did in the last Champions League at any time: achieve a comeback in the last five minutes of the game,” he added on Real Madrid being the comeback kings.
Savinho then commented on what his side had to do in order to scrape past Los Blancos on the night and how it was vital to make the most of the few chances they got.
“We must be focused and take advantage of opportunities when we have them, that will be very important. I learned that in Girona,” he began.
“We played very, very well but we didn’t take advantage of our chances and when they had one, they sentenced the game,” he added.
Finally, the forward lamented that teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City even found themselves in the playoff, especially considering that they have been the regular favorites in recent years.
“We should reach the next round in a more convincing way and not be in a play-off against Real Madrid,” Savinho noted.
“And it is worth remembering that Real Madrid, with all the weight that its shirt carries, should not be in the play-off either, with due respect to the other teams,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
