Real Madrid News
Real Betis coach previews Real Madrid clash: ‘We are going to have opportunities’
After having close to a week off after their elimination from the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid returned with a bang and won their clash against Deportivo Alaves.
Now, however, they are back to the hectic schedule and face a second game in less than a week, this time against a higher-placed opposition in Real Betis.
The game is scheduled for Friday night in Seville and will see the league’s fifth-placed side take on Alvaro Arbeloa’s men who are in second place.
Betis manager previews the game
Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini spoke to the media ahead of his side’s clash against Real Madrid this weekend and spoke about Alvaro Arbeloa’s team in the process.
First, he admitted that it was hard to overlook Real Madrid’s poor run of form but remained wary of the threat they pose.
“[Real] Madrid is not having a good time because not winning titles in Madrid is difficult. They’re still Madrid, and they have standout players who can punish you instantly for any lapse in concentration.”
“With more defensive solidity than in recent games, that might have been the factor holding us back,” he added.
The manager then opened up on what made Real Madrid such a dangerous opponent to face at any point in time, irrespective of the run of form they find themselves in.
“The most dangerous thing about [Real] Madrid is its individual quality. You can try to stop it, but they still have the quality.”
Looking forward to the challenge and explaining how even his side will undoubtedly have their opportunities on the night, Pellegrini said,
“We are going to have opportunities and we must convert them. When you have that level of players, anyone can make a difference.”
Source: Diario AS
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.
