Real Madrid News
Marcelo claims Copa Libertadores win with Fluminense means more than UCL triumphs with Real Madrid
It has been a year and a half since Marcelo left his beloved Real Madrid, joining Olympiacos on a free transfer.
But after a short spell in Greece, the left-back returned to his homeland earlier in the year, joining his youth club Fluminense.
As we approach the end of the year, Marcelo has already featured in 26 competitive matches for Fluminense since returning to the club.
Copa Libertadores for Marcelo
A return to Fluminense has been quite beneficial for Marcelo, as he has been able to add to his trophy cabinet by recently winning the Copa Libertadores.
Indeed, Fluminense has been crowned champions in this edition of Copa Libertadores, as they defeated Argentine giants BOCA Juniors in the final.
Marcelo played a key role in their triumph, featuring in eight matches and becoming a crucial outlet in the left-back position.
Marcelo’s experience, coupled with his attacking flair on the left flank helped Fluminense defeat Olimpia, Internacional and Argentinos Jr, in the lead-up to their final triumph.
“More important than UCL”
Shortly after winning the Copa Libertadores title, Marcelo deemed it more important than the UEFA Champions League titles.
“Real Madrid will understand, this is my most important title at club level. It is the club that raised me,” Marcelo said (h/t Diario AS). “Real Madrid lives in my heart, but it is even difficult to talk about Fluminense.”
Marcelo’s comments are hardly surprising, as the love for Fluminense runs in his family. His grandfather was a huge fan of the club, which led to the player starting his youth career there.
This is the first time Marcelo has bagged a South American club football trophy. The fact that it was Copa Libertadores makes it even more special for the veteran left-back, who has won scores of trophies during his time at Real Madrid.
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.
