Real Madrid News
Real Madrid banking big on key forward to get them through vs Manchester City
Real Madrid are set to take on Manchester City tomorrow, in what will serve as the first of the two-legged Round of 16 clash in the UEFA Champions League.
This will be an important match for a Real Madrid side already out of the Copa Del Rey and with a four-point deficit to Barcelona at the top of the league table.
Not to mention, the club are dealing with multiple injuries, with Kylian Mbappe notably recovering from a knock, whereas Rodrygo could miss the entire year with a long-term injury.
Real Madrid are banking on Vinicus Jr.
The unprecedented injury crisis, particularly involving Mbappe, means that Real Madrid are banking heavily on Vinicius Jr, heading into this clash against Manchester City.
This is according to AS, which suggests the Brazilian international will be Real Madrid’s main man as they take on the Premier League giants.
Having largely become a shadow of Mbappe, Vinicius is not having the best of seasons at Real Madrid this term. However, he has still been involved in 24 goals in all competitions.
However, the Brazilian’s recent form has been encouraging, with the player notably being involved in six goals in the last four Champions League matches.
As far as Vinicius’ overall record against Manchester City is concerned, he has faced them ten times, out of which he has only won four times while drawing two.
The Brazilian has netted only two goals against Pep Guardiola’s men but has added five assists to his name in those ten matches.
As far as Real Madrid’s camp is concerned, the club have full faith in Vini Jr. and believe that the attacker has to show up, especially if Los Blancos are to harbour any hopes of securing an advantage in the first leg.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rejected two goalkeeper signings in the summer to back veteran star – report
Real Madrid’s number so far this season may not highlight Thibaut Courtois’ brilliance, but the fact of the matter is that the Belgian star has been simply stellar.
Having just two clean sheets so far underplays his brilliance significantly, but it has more to do with the team’s defensive lacunae.
Yesterday, word broke out that the Belgian star is set to renew his deal with Real Madrid and that an agreement in principle has been reached. Despite his age, after all, he continues to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Real Madrid backing Courtois
As reported by Fabrizio Romano in a recent update, Real Madrid have been thinking about the goalkeeping situation for a while now, and agents of goalkeepers across the globe naturally have knowledge of the same.
In fact, the club have been offered two goalkeeper signings since the summer alone. However, they did not waste any time in rejecting the approaches.
Los Blancos maintained a strong response to the representatives of the said goalkeepers.
“We have the best goalkeeper in the world,” they said, making it clear that they do not see a need to replace the veteran yet. Now, the player will stay at the club for longer after his renewal.
No signs or plans of stopping
At 34 years of age, it is understandable that Real Madrid are only offering a renewal until 2027-28 to the player.
However, Courtois himself has no plans to stop for at least the next five years and sees himself as capable of operating at the highest level for long.
Los Blancos, for their part, will continue assessing the player’s performances and rewarding him with optimal renewals based on the same.
As matters stand, however, he is the best goalkeeper in the world and will stay at the club next season. The longer-term plan will depend on his output level.
So far this season, the former Chelsea star has maintained two clean sheets, and the most recent of them came against Villarreal at the weekend.
Needless to say, his objective will be to keep the momentum going as the season progresses into a critical month ahead.
