Real Madrid News
Manchester City star is ruled out against Real Madrid, confirms Guardiola
Manchester City will be without defender Nathan Ake against Real Madrid tomorrow in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.
Ake has had some fitness over the past few weeks. The 28-year-old had missed a couple of Premier League matches in late April, but had returned to action in the lead-up to the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, just a few days before the match, the former Chelsea ace had to be taken off injured during a game against Leeds United, which meant he missed the trip to the Spanish capital.
And now, Guardiola has confirmed that Ake has not recovered in time for the all-important second leg against Real Madrid which will take place at the Etihad tomorrow night.
Speaking at a press conference, the Manchester City manager said (h/t Manchester Evening News): “Except Nathan, everyone is fit.”
Guardiola’s statement also means that midfield mainstay Rodri is fit and ready to face Real Madrid.
The Spaniard had to come off with some physical discomfort during Man City’s last Premier League game against Everton, but the manager had assured that he would be ready for the UCL contest, which seems to be the case.
With the tie nicely poised at 1-1 after the first leg, everything is on the line heading into tomorrow’s match at the Etihad. And Guardiola insisted that his players will have to put a top performance if they are to defeat Real Madrid.
“The players have to make an incredible performance to beat Madrid. I have an idea to be more different, more fluid in attack. It will happen naturally at home, we feel free, doesn’t matter, we go.”
When asked why Real Madrid are so good in the Champions League, the former Barcelona manager replied: “I don’t know, if I knew that I’d know how to beat them. The reason is they’ve always had quality players, without that standard they wouldn’t achieve.”
“Whatever competition or year they always have a great squad. They always think of what they’re going to do. I think about what we’re going to do, our strengths, and what our threats can be,” he added.
“We’ll try to impose ourselves on the game. We know what we can do. We want to minimise their threats.”
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
