Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
Real Madrid News
Federico Valverde celebrates 250 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid after Elche win: ‘Want to keep winning more titles’
Federico Valverde reached another landmark in a Real Madrid shirt on Tuesday, making his 250th La Liga appearance for the club during the 3-2 victory over Elche at the Martinez Valero.
The milestone arrived on a night when Madrid had to dig deep after surrendering a two-goal advantage, eventually securing victory through a late Carlos Espi goal.
For Valverde, though, the occasion carried significance beyond the result.
“You never imagine you’ll reach this milestone, or achieve so much. I’ve achieved so much here.
“I want to keep winning more titles and continue making history at this club, leave my mark and make my name known at this great club, the best in the world.
“For me, it’s an honour and a great source of satisfaction to keep achieving these things, to keep delivering for the team, and as long as the team wins, I’m happy,” he told Real Madrid TV.
Valverde proud of Real Madrid’s response
The Uruguay international was pleased with much of what he saw from Real Madrid, particularly their first-half performance, despite the uncomfortable finish.
“We’re delighted with the victory. We played one of our best first halves of the season.
“We’re happy with the result and to be back to winning ways. We’re happy for my teammates because I think they played a very good match and, above all, the goalscorers were there when they needed to be.”
Diomande continues to impress
Yan Diomande was another talking point after the victory, with Valverde encouraged by what he has seen from the youngster.
“We’re still getting to know Diomande. He’s a player who possesses all the qualities needed when moving forward to take on defenders and in one-on-one situations.
“I have faith in him; we all have faith in him. I knew he’d have the chance to provide an assist or score, and he ended up with a spectacular pass to Mbappe.”
Valverde already looking towards Atletico
For Real Madrid, there is little time to savour the Elche victory, with the Madrid derby against Atletico coming at the weekend.
Speaking about the match, he added,
“We need to be in good shape for the derby at the weekend. This win gives us a huge boost, some positive energy, and now it’s time to rest and prepare for the next match.
“We’re excited, raring to go and full of energy. It was important to win so we’d be in good spirits going into the next match.
“We’re happy with the victory, with how the team is performing, and with how the lads took to the pitch.
“The substitutes are very important to us. Today they turned the match around,” he concluded.
