Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano boss insists his team were superior to Real Madrid: ‘I’m very hurt because…’
Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez chose restraint over controversy following his side’s 1-2 defeat to Real Madrid.
Despite the match being decided deep into stoppage time amid heated debate, the Rayo coach declined to comment on the refereeing decisions that dominated the post-match discussion.
When asked directly about the added time and the penalty awarded for a foul on Brahim Diaz, Perez shut down the topic immediately.
“I’m not going to say anything,” before adding, “I don’t talk about referees.”
Injury-time winner
Instead, Perez focused on the sporting side of the defeat, even though the manner of the loss clearly hurt.
Rayo Vallecano saw their resistance broken by a late penalty converted by Kylian Mbappe, a moment that ultimately decided the match.
The visitors finished the game with just nine players following the sendings-off of Pathe Ciss and Pep Chavarria, compounding their frustration.
Perez reflected on the overall performance and the disappointment of leaving Madrid without points.
“We did a lot of things well, a lot of excellent things, but the reality is that we lost.
“I don’t have to juggle because I’m not the typical coach who changes his tune because they scored a goal in added time.”
More on the match
The Rayo manager went further, making a bold assessment of the match when both teams had the same number of players on the pitch.
He openly stated his belief that his side had the upper hand for long spells. Admitting how deeply the defeat affected him, Perez explained,
“I’m very hurt because we lost. Eleven against eleven, I think we were superior, but we lacked determination and desire.
“I understand that Real Madrid’s jersey imposes itself in those final meters, but in the rest of the meters we were superior.”
He concluded bluntly, “The reality is that we lost.”
Playing at Santiago Bernabeu
Perez also offered insight into the psychological challenge of playing at the Bernabeu.
He explained how Real Madrid’s aura can influence matches, saying, “Real Madrid, even if they defend poorly, can impose their jersey. They sense that, they smell fear.”
He revealed the message delivered in the dressing room, adding, “The idea was to get rid of that feeling so they could let go. They’ve been too fearful.”
Finally, reflecting on the extended stoppage time that ultimately decided the game, Perez underlined the mental battle his side faced.
“We went through the expected, planned psychological phases, but you have to know that they exist. Here, you have to get rid of your fear if you want to win.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
