Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad list to face UD Almeria
As Real Madrid get set to take on UD Almeria in the second round of fixtures of the 2023/24 La Liga season, manager Carlo Ancelotti has released the squad list that will make the trip to Estadio Mediterraneo.
Real Madrid will go into the game without five players in the form of Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Arda Guler, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos, all of whom are recovering from their respective injuries.
Meanwhile, new signing Kepa Arrizabalaga has been named in the squad, although Ancelotti has already stated that Andriy Lunin will be starting tomorrow.
Eduardo Camavinga has been included in the squad list despite the midfielder missing training earlier today due to some minor discomfort. Ancelotti has already confirmed that the Frenchman could play tomorrow if he feels better.
There is also a spot for youngster Nico Paz in the roster and there could be a possibility that the teenage wonderkid could make his first-team debut against Almeria.
đź“‹âś… ¡Nuestros convocados para el partido 🆚 @U_D_Almeria!#AlmerĂaRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/XRlmsOwZa3
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 18, 2023
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rising star suffered against Atletico due to veteran forward’s absence, says Simeone
Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid was not the first time were in trouble this season. In fact, the Merengues have gone behind early in almost every league game so far.
However, the difference on Sunday night was that they never really mounted a comeback. More importantly, Jude Bellingham did not come good, for the first time.
Simeone unravels the mystery
A jubilant Diego Simeone spoke to the media after his side downed Real Madrid by three goals to one and spoke about a plethora of topics.Â
Interestingly, he commented specifically on why Bellingham did not have an impact at Civitas Metropolitano, citing the absence of Joselu as a key factor.
“No, the spaces were reduced and I think that Joselu’s lack of presence left him with fewer chances to get there, when he takes advantage of Joselu’s aerial play. We controlled him better, he’s extraordinary,” he said, as quoted by AS.
He even called out the refereeing on the night and insisted that the Real Madrid star-boy should have seen red for his late tackle on Angel Correa, saying:
“It looked like a sending-off to me live, it was a hard leg up, with Angelito hitting the ball.”
Ironically, he defended his defender Jose Maria Gimenez for an equally threatening tackle on the night.
“A bad foul, it’s a yellow card because it goes sideways. Bellingham goes from the front and I think it’s a bit more,” he stated paradoxically.
No time to lament
The game at Civitas Metropolitano may not have gone Real Madrid’s way. Yet, it is good for the Merengues to taste defeat early and see the gaping holes in their dynamic.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted in his press conference that he bore the lion’s share of the fault for Sunday’s loss and that he would have done things differently if given the chance.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos have a hectic schedule ahead with two games in the next five days and a UCL fixture against Napoli next week. With Vinicius Jr back, one hopes they find their mojo once again.
