Real Madrid News
Real Madrid concerns mount as key defender a doubt for Sevilla clash with discomfort
The past couple of weeks have been nothing short of disastrous for Real Madrid.
From losing the Clasico to Barcelona after taking a two-goal lead and then seeing their rivals win La Liga, and on top of that, losing a host of players to injury, the Merengues have been through the wringer.
The issues, though, do not seem to be easing up any time soon for Real Madrid as another player has now emerged as a doubt for Sunday’s La Liga clash vs Sevilla.
Raul Asencio could miss Sevilla clash
Indeed, according to AS, Raul Asencio’s availability for the trip to Andalusia to face Sevilla this weekend is a major doubt as he is dealing with muscle overload.
The 22-year-old La Fabrica defender has established himself as a key player for Carlo Ancelotti in what has been a breakthrough season for him, capitalising on the injury-enforced absence of players like Eder Militao and David Alaba.
Asencio has racked up 41 senior appearances across all competitions in his debut season, even chipping in with two assists.
With no Alaba, Militao, and Antonio Rudiger, he was certain of starting against Sevilla but his availability is now under doubt due to the overload as a result of which he did not train today.
The relief for Ancelotti is that Aurelien Tchouameni will be back after serving his one-match suspension and could slot in as the centre-back alongside the hero from the Mallorca game – Jacobo Ramon.
Meanwhile, the report also states that Andriy Lunin is expected to be available having recovered from his hand problem.
But the likes of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Lucas Vazquez, Brahim Diaz, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga remain unavailable.
Real Madrid News
Nico Paz’s message to Real Madrid after historic Champions League night: ‘I made the right decision’
Como had a night to remember in the history of their football club, taking part in the Champions League for the first time.
The Italian side’s rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, and under the astute guidance of Cesc Fabregas, they have reached the biggest competition in club football.
Como faced RB Leipzig on their Champions League debut, securing a 4-1 victory to mark the occasion, with Nico Paz starring for the Italians.
He delivered another reminder of his development away from Real Madrid, and the 22-year-old has become a star in his own right.
Paz shines on historic night for Como
The former Madrid academy attacking midfielder produced two assists as Como secured the win against the Bundesliga side.
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Paz made it clear that he has no regrets about choosing to continue his career in Italy.
“It was a historic night. We played an incredible match. We were really looking forward to playing this game. I think we approached it in the best possible way. We are happy with the match we played,” Paz said.
Paz had already established himself as an important player in Serie A. Performing with similar influence in the Champions League is another test entirely, and he passed it with flying colours.
The Argentine also addressed his decision to remain at Como rather than return to Real Madrid.
“I thought this was the place where I was going to grow the most, and I think I made the right decision. I am very happy with my decision,” he said.
At Madrid, Paz would have entered an extremely competitive midfield and faced uncertainty over regular minutes.
At Como, he has responsibility, continuity and now the opportunity to develop through Champions League football.
The 22-year-old believes evenings such as the victory over Leipzig demonstrate why staying was the correct choice.
The road not taken ft. Nico Paz
Paz is one of the biggest examples that the conventional path to stardom is not the only way for young players in their footballing careers.
Many starlets are guilty of moving to big clubs earlier than they are ready and then seeing their development stagnate because of a lack of minutes.
Paz, on the other hand, has consistently veered away from this. Despite coming through Castilla, he has built a career for himself in Italy.
There is absolutely no doubt who the star of this Como team is, and the 22-year-old gets more responsibility at a young age than he would have at a club like Madrid.
The Serie A side is proving to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in Europe, and Madrid fans in particular will be curious to see how Paz fares over the course of the campaign.
