Real Madrid News
Official: Luka Modric ruled out of RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid have issued an official statement confirming that midfielder Luka Modric will not be travelling to Germany for their UEFA Champions League clash against RB Leipzig.
Los Blancos face off against the German outfit tomorrow in their penultimate Group F encounter of the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already booked a place in the knockout rounds of the competition. And a point on Tuesday will secure the top spot for them.
Heading into the game, Los Blancos were already without star striker Karim Benzema, who did not play at the weekend against Sevilla due to muscle fatigue.
On top of that, Federico Valverde has also been ruled out of the contest due to a minor knock he picked up during the win over Sevilla on Saturday.
Now, Modric, who had been named in the squad for the RB Leipzig clash by Ancelotti, has also been withdrawn at the last minute by Real Madrid, with the Croatian now missing the flight to Germany for tomorrow’s encounter.
“Luka Modrić will not play the match between Real Madrid and Leipzig, corresponding to matchday 5 of the Champions League Group Stage, which takes place tomorrow at the RB Arena,” the official statement from Real Madrid read.
“The Croatian was among those called up by Ancelotti for this match, but he is absent at the last minute and does not travel with the team to Leipzig.”
There is no clear indication as to why the decision has been made, but Real Madrid will be without three of their main players for the trip to Leipzig now.
But Jose Luis Sanchez has reported that the Croatian is suffering from a slight discomfort in his adductor. The issue is not serious but he has been dropped for the RB Leipzig clash as a precaution.
A clearer update on Modric’s withdrawal from the squad could arrive during Ancelotti’s press conference later tonight.
Real Madrid News
Premier League legend heaps praise on Real Madrid star after solid performance vs Croatia – “Looks like a grown man”
Jude Bellingham has been in sensational form this season, both for Real Madrid and England, rediscovering the brilliance that defined his early days in Spain.
The midfielder capped off a terrific international break with a standout display as England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in the UEFA Nations League.
And his performance drew high praise from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.
Keane in awe of Bellingham
The Irishman was effusive in his assessment of Bellingham, suggesting the Englishman was simply operating on a different level to the Croatia side.
“Jude Bellingham vs Croatia? It looks like a grown man playing against little children. It’s like patting your kids on the head,” he said (h/t Madrid Zone).
He went on to acknowledge that Croatia could hardly be blamed for failing to contain him. “He’s such a good player and physically you can’t blame Croatia because they can’t get near him,” the former midfielder added.
It was a glowing endorsement from Keane, who is rarely one to hand out praise lightly, and it reflected just how dominant Bellingham was on the night.
Bellingham’s performance in numbers
The numbers behind Bellingham’s performance backed up Keane’s words, with the Real Madrid man delivering a truly complete midfield showing.
Bellingham registered a goal and three assists, while also creating a staggering eight chances, four of which were big chances.
He completed both of his crosses, six of seven long balls and four of six dribbles.
Defensively, he was equally impressive, winning eight duels, making an interception, two recoveries and two defensive contributions, while also being fouled three times as Croatia struggled to cope with his power and drive.
It was the kind of all-action, match-defining display that has become increasingly common for Bellingham this season.
The Englishman has been reborn under Jose Mourinho, operating in a free attacking role that allows him to influence games in every area of the pitch.
Bellingham was not the only Englishman to perform well, with Barcelona star Anthony Gordon also impressing on the night.
