Real Madrid News
Real Madrid likely to bring back the Trofeo Santiago Bernabeu from next year
Real Madrid have invariably prided themselves on being a club rich in culture and tradition.
And one such tradition in the club’s history has been the annual Trofeo Santiago Bernabeu tournament.
It is an annual friendly event that Real Madrid host at the start of the season in homage to the memory of Real Madrid’s legendary president, Santiago Bernabeu.
In honour of the club’s iconic president, who had passed away the year before, the event was first held in 1979.
Real Madrid are expected to bring back the tradition
Now, according to AS (h/t Madrid Zone), Real Madrid are expected to bring back the Trofeo Santiago Bernabeu in 2024 next year.
Due to the renovations that had to be carried out at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the competition has been canceled for the past few years, since 2018.
With safety concerns no longer an issue and Madrid’s reformed stadium, the iconic tournament that allowed Los Blancos to adhere to their age-old traditions will be brought back.
It was played between four teams from 1979 to 1982, 1984, and 1986, featuring a semi-final, a third-place match, and a championship game. Only one game was played between Real Madrid and an invited team in 1983 and 1985, and that trend has continued since 1987.
As an exception though, there were four teams in the 2002 competition to celebrate Real Madrid’s centenary.
Similar to how Barcelona plays a Joan Gamper Trophy game ahead of the commencement of the season, it enables the club to utilize the stage as a memorial for iconic figures of the club.
Moreover, Real Madrid are bound to benefit from the return of the Trofeo Santiago Bernabéu as the opportunity to provide youngsters with playtime and test out an array of formations in a friendly setting will exist.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
