Real Madrid News
Real Madrid duo in contention to win awards at Ballon d’Or Gala
Less than 24 hours after Real Madrid’s smashing El Clasico win, several of the team’s players will feature at the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris. After winning both the UEFA Champions League and La Liga last season, it is not surprising that so many of Los Blancos’ stars are nominated for various awards.
The prestigious Ballon d’Or is likely set to be hoisted by Karim Benzema on the night in what will be the second time a Real Madrid player wins the award in four years. Moreover, that is not the end of the celebrations for Los Blancos as Thibaut Courtois is the favourite to win the Yashin award given to the best goalkeeper.
Coming off spectacular individual seasons, not many can argue with the Real Madrid duo picking up the awards. Benzema was pivotal to his team’s success last season, scoring 44 goals and providing 15 assists across all competitions.
He stepped up on the big nights and pioneered several comebacks en route to his side’s UCL win.
At the other end, Courtois held strong between the sticks. In the final of the European competition, it was the Belgian who produced a man-of-the-match performance and clinched the title for Real Madrid.
While the shot-stopper missed El Clasico yesterday through injury, Benzema was again on point scoring the hosts’ opening goal and having another disallowed early in the second half. Needless to say, both players continue to be vital to Ancelotti’s plans this term.
Real Madrid fans were dealt with a massive blow when star player Antonio Rudiger was left out of the squad against Real Valladolid, allegedly due to knee discomfort.
The injury sparked fears over his absence in the upcoming Copa Del Rey semifinal against Barcelona.
However, according to a report from Sergio Quirante, Rudiger’s knee injury is not thought to be serious. It appears the decision to leave him out of the squad against Valladolid may only be a precaution, with the defender set to undergo ultrasonic tests tomorrow.
Rudiger, whose injury scare came just 48 hours before Real Madrid’s big game against Barcelona, has been a stellar success in the club’s backline this season.
The German international has emerged as a real leader at the back, using his experience and authority to good effect. Although Real Madrid’s defence has left a lot to be desired this season, Rudiger has been one of the bright sparks.
His potential absence, therefore, could serve as a major blow for Los Blancos, in their hopes to reach the Copa Del Rey semifinal next week.
Real Madrid are heading into this semifinal with a 1-0 defeat in the first leg, meaning keeping a clean sheet could be mandatory if they are to overturn the deficit and book a place in the final. Rudiger, in that regard, could prove to be a vital asset.
In the meantime, Real Madrid are heading into the Valladolid game with David Alaba and Eder Militao as two of the only reliable centre-backs in the team. Among the two, Alaba has struggled with injuries this season, so it will be interesting to see how Carlo Ancelotti deals with this tricky situation this afternoon.
