Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Liverpool
A mouthwatering Champions League clash is on our hands tonight as Real Madrid take the trip to England to lock horns against Liverpool in the round of 16. It is the first time the two sides are going head-to-head after the UCL final last season.
Thibaut Courtois starts in goal, hoping to recreate his MOTM performance from the final, and is guarded by Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger in central defence. David Alaba continues as the left-back in the absence of Ferland Mendy, while Daniel Carvajal slots in at right-back.
Toni Kroos starts from the bench, with Luka Modric and Federico Valverde manning the central midfield in his absence. Eduardo Camavinga takes on the responsibility as the defensive midfielder while Aurelien Tchouameni struggles with injuries.
Karim Benzema has been given the medical green light to lead the line, aided by Brazilian firepower on either wing. Rodrygo is the right-winger, while Vinicius Jr gets the nod on the left side.
Confirmed Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Valverde, Camavinga, Modric; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
