Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward names former Manchester City captain the ‘best player he has faced’
As Real Madrid prepare for yet another blockbuster showdown with Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, Rodrygo has added some spice to the rivalry with a striking admission.
The Brazilian forward, who has played a decisive role in past knockout battles against City, was asked about the toughest opponent he has ever faced.
Without hesitation, he pointed to Kevin De Bruyne.
“The best player I ever faced? Kevin De Bruyne. His technical level, his movements, his passes. He’s the best I ever faced,” the Brazilian told Caze TV (h/t Madrid Zone).
It is high praise, especially considering the calibre of players Rodrygo has competed against in both La Liga and European competition.
De Bruyne, now at Napoli after his Manchester City spell, left a deep impression during those intense Champions League encounters between the two sides.
A grand rivalry
The Madrid-City rivalry has evolved into one of the defining matchups of modern European football.
Season after season, the two clubs seem destined to collide in the knockout rounds. This year is no different.
There is, however, a psychological edge for Los Blancos. In the last two knockout ties between the teams, Real Madrid emerged victorious.
Still, Manchester City proved earlier this season that they remain a major threat.
They secured a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu in the league stage, a result that serves as a reminder that margins are always fine between these giants.
The upcoming Champions League tie will begin at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 10-11, before the return leg at the Etihad Stadium on March 17-18.
As such, history suggests another tight affair, as across 16 previous meetings, City have won six times, Real Madrid five, with five draws.
The goal difference is equally narrow – 28 for City, 26 for Madrid.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
