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 eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
