Real Madrid News
Real Madrid in touching distance of breaking historic La Liga record held by Barcelona
With their landslide win over Espanyol at the weekend, Real Madrid officially clocked 38 games unbeaten in La Liga – a run stretching back to last season. After all, their only defeat in La Liga in 2023/24 was against Atletico Madrid one year ago.
Now having completed the ‘perfect season’, Los Blancos have their eyes on taking the sole leadership on that front as they always do.
The current record lies at 43 match days unbeaten and is held by Barcelona between April 2017 and May 2018 under managers Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde.
Within touching distance
Having reached the 38 mark, Ancelotti and Real Madrid are just five games away from equalling the stunning achievement.
Alaves, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Celta Vigo are the team’s next four oppositions and should they remain unbeaten against all four, they will have a special chance to equal Barcelona’s record against the Catalans themselves in El Clasico.
Needless to say, the big hurdle in reaching El Clasico with an intact record is the Madrid derby scheduled for later this month as it was against Diego Simeone’s side that they lost last season.
If Real Madrid manage to equal the record on El Clasico, the game against Valencia at Mestalla marks a special occasion as can enable them to hit 44 games unbeaten, taking over the record as the sole holders.
In their 38 unbeaten games so far, the Merengues have recorded 28 wins and ten draws and have been on fire.
Their start to the new campaign, however, has not been as convincing and Carlo Ancelotti finally appears to be getting his side on track in recent games.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
