Real Madrid News
Nacho reacts after Real Sociedad 2-0 Real Madrid: “Haven’t been up to the challenge”
Real Sociedad ousted Real Madrid by two goals late on Tuesday night and handed them their second defeat in three La Liga games in the process. The Merengues were responsible for their own misery, gifting the hosts not only the opener but also a numerical advantage.
Takefusa Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea were the goalscorers on the night and rounded off a comprehensive display from the hosts. The men in white, meanwhile, fell 14 points behind league leaders Barcelona in the process.
The captain on the night, Nacho Fernandez, faced the media after the 2-0 defeat and gave a player’s perspective into the team’s form and results in recent weeks. He began his interview with an overview of what cost Real Madrid the game against Real Sociedad, saying:
“These are defensive errors. We’ve been making them for a few games, especially in the league. On a pitch like this, which is very demanding, and with a man down, it’s very hard.”
La Liga has been far from the paradise Real Madrid would have dreamt of this season. Nacho commented on the Merengues’ poor run in the league but insisted that their poor form on the road cost them dearly.
“We always aim to win. In the last few league games, especially away from home, we haven’t been at the level we should be for a competition like this. That’s what happened today,” he said.
“If you don’t apply all your intensity, any team will beat you. And I’m not saying that Real Sociedad are any team, but it’s a very difficult league where we haven’t been up to the challenge, I think.”
The veteran defender then spoke about whether the team’s confidence was affected by recent defeats and also pointed out how the most important games of the season were yet to come.
“We’re playing the most important part of the season next week. If you asked us at the start of the campaign, we all would have signed up to be where we are at this stage. Of course, we would have liked things to be different in the league but now we have to keep our heads up and continue fighting.”
The inevitable question surrounding Dani Carvajal was the final matter Nacho addressed in his interview. The defender refused to take sides but called it one of the factors that changed the game, saying:
“It wasn’t a hard tackle. I don’t know whether he gets a touch on it or not but it decided the game. We were already losing and to have a man sent off here is very tough.”
Source: Real Madrid website
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify €60m-rated Brighton defender as potential 2027 transfer target – report
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Brighton & Hove Albion defender Luka Vuskovic as they assess options to strengthen their defence ahead of the 2027 transfer windows.
According to Bernabeu Digital, the Croatian centre-back is among the players under consideration as Los Blancos plan for a potential defensive overhaul in the summer of 2027.
The interest comes as Real Madrid prepare for possible departures at centre-back.
On that note, Raul Asencio could be moved on, while Antonio Rudiger is expected to leave when his contract expires.
The club therefore wants to recruit at least one high-quality defender to reinforce the squad for the long term.
Vuskovic, whose market value, as per Transfermarkt, is estimated €60 million, is attracting attention from several major European clubs, although Brighton are understood to have no intention of selling the 19-year-old.
Luka Vuskovic emerges as Real Madrid transfer target
According to Bernabeu Digital, Real Madrid are monitoring Vuskovic as they search for a centre-back capable of strengthening their defensive options.
The Croatian has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, while Tottenham are also keeping track of a player they sold last summer.
Understandably so, the competition for his signature could make any potential deal difficult, particularly with Brighton reluctant to part ways with the defender.
At Real Madrid, they are assessing several candidates, with their priority being to identify players who can provide quality and long-term stability.
Real Madrid consider two centre-back signings for 2027
As such, Real Madrid are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing in two centre-backs across the upcoming transfer windows.
Vuskovic is one potential option, while Alessandro Bastoni remains another name associated with the club’s defensive plans.
Bastoni was a target for Real Madrid last summer, and despite failing to land the Italian, his profile continues to fit the type of reinforcement being considered.
Notably, the potential exits of Asencio and Rudiger would leave Madrid needing fresh depth and experience at centre-back, and recruiting early could help the club avoid entering a transfer window without a clear succession plan.
