Real Madrid News
RB Leipzig mainstay plotting to beat Real Madrid in UCL Round of 16: “Have to be 150% ready”
As we welcome 2024, Real Madrid’s main objective this year will be to clinch the UEFA Champions League once again while retaining its dominance in La Liga.
As far as their UCL campaign is concerned, the club topped the group stages by winning all of the six group stages.
The Spanish giants are now slated to face RB Leipzig in the Round of 16, which will be played in February.
It promises to be a tricky encounter for Los Blancos, as RB Leipzig have grown strength to strength each year despite losing their star players.
One player, however, who has remained a mainstay in the Leipzig setup is Dani Olmo. Joining the club in 2020, the former La Masia talent has been the club’s top source of creativity for a while now.
Dani Olmo keen on beating Real Madrid in UCL
What is particularly curious, though, is that Real Madrid are among the clubs which have kept a close eye on Olmo’s situation at RB Leipzig in recent years.
With that in mind, Olmo, in a recent interaction, has expressed his desire to knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League in February. “To beat Real Madrid, you have to be 150% ready,” Olmo told MARCA.
Olmo’s comments are enough to suggest that he has a great amount of respect for Real Madrid, even though he is keen on knocking the team out in the Round of 16.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid are likely to keep a close eye on the player’s performance, knowing he could be one of the potential targets in 2024 when they look to further strengthen their creative department.
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.
