Real Madrid News
Modric’s Real Madrid UCL prediction that came true last season: “If we beat PSG…”
Real Madrid had an incredible 2021/22 campaign in the UEFA Champions League, having beat clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City before reaching the final against Liverpool.
During the course of their UCL campaign last term, there was a leaked quote from Luka Modric, where the veteran midfielder had said that Real Madrid could win the title if they are able to beat PSG.
Recently, Modric was asked about the leaked quote, and whether or not he had truly said it. Responding to the question, the midfielder said (h/t Madrid Universal), “Yes, I always said if we beat PSG the Champions League is ours. Sometimes the media are good at leaking information.”
Real Madrid did end up beating PSG in the Round of 16. While they lost 1-0 in the first leg, they were able to overcome the slender deficit with a formidable 3-1 victory at Santiago Bernabeu, helping them secure a place in the quarterfinals.
Needless to say, Modric played a crucial part in the victory. And one would expect the Croat to continue to play a vital for a Madrid side that has relied heavily on experience in the middle of the park, especially under the leadership of under-fire coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid are currently in the Round of 16 of the Champions League this term. They are coming on the back of a formidable 5-2 victory over Liverpool, and only need to avoid a calamity if they to advance further in the competition.
A bigger challenge for Los Blancos, though, could be the upcoming contest against Barcelona. It is a must-win game for a side currently trailing the league leaders by a whopping nine-point margin.
In the meantime, though, Real Madrid will focus on tomorrow’s encounter against another Catalan team in Espanyol. Modric has been included in the official squad heading into this game and is likely to start this weekend.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
