Real Madrid News
Modric talks Benzema, Ballon d’Or, Toni Kroos following Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona
Real Madrid came out with all three points against Barcelona with a dominant 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu. Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo found their names on the scoresheet while Barcelona’s only solace came through Ferran Torres.
Luka Modric started the game and played 78 minutes, creating one big chance and completing 97% of his attempted passes. The midfielder spoke to the media after his team’s dominant performance on their home ground.
The veteran first spoke about the side’s performance on the big night and did not hold back in praising his teammates and the fans at the Bernabeu.
“We are happy with the win and the performance. We are really pleased. We have to thank the fans too.”
The Croatian is the only player in the current Real Madrid side to have won the prestigious Ballon d’Or. That could change tomorrow as Karim Benzema is expected to win the award for the first time in his career. Modric spoke about the Frenchman’s accomplishment.
“The Ballon D’Or? We all know what is going to happen with Karim tomorrow and we all want it to happen because he deserves it. I’m happy for him.”
The 37-year-old then elaborated on what set his team apart in El Clasico and helped them secure all three points over Barcelona.
“We did everything we have to do in a Clasico. We fought and won. We played a completed game. We supported each other. This is the key.”
Real Madrid’s opening goal was a thing of beauty. The move began with Toni Kroos slicing through Barcelona’s defence with a slick pass to Vinicius Jr to set up the goal. Modric was all praise for his teammate’s pass.
“I told Kroos that was his goal. His pass to Vini was spectacular. Toni played a perfect game.”
He then elaborated on the German international’s prowess in the middle of the park. Speaking about Kroos, he said,
“Toni Kroos? He’s amazing. His game has been perfect. What to say about Toni (laughs) I know what he’s capable of.”
Source: Real Madrid twitter
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder trained away from the group last week, but has no injury – report
With the international break underway, several Real Madrid players have been called up for national team assignments. The stars who have not travelled for international duty have continued to work at the club’s Valdebebas training facility to prepare for the restart.
Toni Kroos is one such player who has remained in Madrid, having retired from international football back in 2021.
However, there had been concerns growing around the 33-year-old’s physical condition as he regularly did indoor work last week and was not spotted in group training with his teammates.
Now, Sergio Quirante has come up with an update on Kroos’ situation, stating that even though the midfielder largely did individual work inside the facilities over the last week, he is fine and has no injuries.
Taking advantage of the international break, the former Bayern Munich superstar is understood to have gone through an individual program to prepare for the final, decisive stretch of the 2022/23 season.
Kroos not being injured comes as a big positive for Real Madrid, ahead of important games against Real Valladolid and Barcelona within the first five days of April.
The rest of the Real Madrid midfield contingent – Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, and Dani Ceballos – are all away on international duties and could return with some fatigue from the travel.
So, it is important that Kroos is fully fit and ready to go as Real Madrid look to cut down the gap to the top of the table in La Liga and also make it to the finals of the Copa del Rey by overturning a first-leg deficit against Barcelona in the semi-finals.
Kroos has played 37 matches this season, chipping in with two goals and five assists in the process. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it is still unclear whether he will renew or hang up his boots.
