Real Madrid News
Man City midfielder says Benzema ‘has what it takes’ to be the next Ballon d’Or winner
On Tuesday night, the world will have its eyes fixed on the gargantuan clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The two European giants face off for a place in the final of the UEFA Champions League in what will be a treat to watch.
The last time the two sides met, Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos had games to forget. The former had two errors directly leading to goal, while the latter was sent off in the first leg.
Eventually, City walked out of the game with a 4-2 win on aggregate, with two goals from Gabriel Jesus, and one each from Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne.
The first leg is set to take place at the Etihad Stadium and the reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ahead of the game, there is nothing but respect between the two sides, and Ilkay Gudogan is the latest to follow suit.
The German international was asked about Karim Benzema’s unreal form this season.
“For me, Benzema is currently the best striker in the world alongside Lewandowski,” he said, as relayed by SPORT1.
Further, he went on to say that the Real Madrid striker was a clear candidate to take home the Ballon d’Or this season.
“Benzema definitely has what it takes to become the next Ballon d’Or winner.”
The striker has started 29 games for Real Madrid in La Liga, scoring 25 goals and providing 11 assists. In the Champions League, he has found the back of the net 12 times and has recorded one assist, pioneering back to back comebacks for Los Blancos.
Meanwhile, Gundogan has been vital for Pep Guardiola’s plans. In 17 starts for the Premier League champions, he has scored six goals and provided four assists. With 1.5 key passes per game and six big chances created, he has been ever-reliable for the manager.
Real Madrid News
Mbappe elated after being named Real Madrid Player of the Month for August: ‘We can do great things this year’
Kylian Mbappe has been named Real Madrid Player of the Month for August after an impressive start to the 2026/27 season.
The French forward was recognised for his performances during the month, featuring in all three of Real Madrid’s matches and scoring four goals.
Mbappe opened his goalscoring account for the season in Real Madrid’s second game of the season against Real Sociedad, plundering a hat-trick in a 4-1 win.
The France captain was on target again in the next game, scoring in a 4-0 win over newly-promoted La Liga side, Malaga.
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Mbappe happy with positive start
After receiving the award at the training facilities earlier today, Mbappe spoke to RMTV, talking positively about the team’s start to the campaign and outlined his ambitions for the months ahead.
“We’ve started the season positively. I hope we can continue like this on Saturday. I think there can be a lot of success this season,” he said.
The Real Madrid forward is determined to play his part as the team pursue trophies on multiple fronts.
“I’m really looking forward to helping the team and showing that we can do great things this year. I’m always happy to play here. I know it’s a privilege,” he noted.
Welcoming the new arrivals
Mbappe also discussed the new faces who have joined the squad, stressing the importance of ensuring everyone settles quickly into the team.
After all, Real Madrid have made as many as six new additions in Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Carlos Espi, Denzel Dumfries, and Yan Diomande.
“It’s always good to see new faces. They come wanting to help the badge and Real Madrid. We’ve tried to make sure everyone adapts in the best possible way so that we can all move in the same direction,” he stated.
With the squad continuing to improve, Mbappe believes unity will be crucial as Real Madrid aim for a successful season.
The France captain’s four goals in August, coupled with his strike against Inter Milan earlier this week, have provided an early indication of his importance to the side as Real Madrid look to bring trophies back at the Bernabeu.
