Real Madrid News
Real Madrid could be given huge boost ahead of UEFA Super Cup
Real Madrid will take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Super Cup Final on 10th August. Los Blancos represent the Champions League as winners, while the German outfit beat the likes of Barcelona en route to their Europe League win.
Frankfurt were, in no way, shape or form the favourites to win Europe League heading into the competition. In fact, they were not even expected to make it past Real Betis, who they faced in the Round of 16.
As is turned out, they beat Barcelona, West Ham, and then Rangers in the finals as they lifted the trophy. This was largely because of their astute attacking system, pressing regime, and of course, none other than superstar Filip Kostic.
The Serbian scored three goals and assisted four, including one in the final, through the campaign. Unfortunately, he is a huge doubt for Frankfurt heading into the Super Cup final.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Kostic is closing in on the move to Juventus. The 29-year-old has already agreed personal terms with the Italian giants, and the negotiations with Frankfurt are in advanced stages.
With just one day to go before the game, there is a huge chance that Kostic could be unavailable for the final. And without the winger, Frankfurt’s attack will definitely be handicapped.
He is, by far and large, their best player. Real Madrid will be hoping that the move goes through before the big game, while the Bundesliga outfit will try to delay it for as long as possible.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
