Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfield icon out of Napoli clash, doubtful for Granada game – report
Despite having a slew of star players sidelined through injury, Real Madrid blasted past Cadiz on the weekend, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory.
It was a rare start for Luka Modric, who was tasked with the responsibility of controlling things in the middle of the park. But the veteran’s night was cut short when he picked up muscle fatigue and had to be substituted.
Shortly after the game, it was reported that Modric’s knock was not too serious and that the midfielder was soon going to return to action.
Modric to miss out vs Napoli and Granada
However, a recent report from Arancha Rodriguez has revealed that Modric could be set to miss out on a few matches owing to his muscle fatigue this past weekend.
As per the journalist, Modric looks set to miss out on the upcoming Champions League game against Napoli on Wednesday.
Fortunately for Real Madrid, they have already secured qualification to the knockout rounds of the competition, meaning Modric’s absence can serve as an excuse for Carlo Ancelotti to try out younger players in the team.
However, on a more concerning note, Modric seems a doubt for the following game against Granada this weekend in La Liga.
This could be a huge blow for Los Blancos, as the club are already dealing with the absence of several midfielder stars due to injury.
Optimism with Modric
The report, though, does note that there is optimism in regard to Modric’s fitness and there is a feeling he could soon return to action.
But unfortunately for Real Madrid, the veteran Croat will take at least a week before he can return to full fitness, meaning he will miss out on the next couple of matches.
Modric could be available at the disposal of Ancelotti next week, when Real Madrid take on Real Betis in a crucial league game.
Dani Ceballos and Nico Paz could stand to gain some minutes if Modric is indeed not ready to face Napoli and Granada.
After a disappointing defeat to Real Betis, Real Madrid returned to winning ways on Tuesday night, following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan.
It was a tense game for Los Blancos, who had to hold on to their slender advantage in the last stretch of the game and were unable to score more goals after an early flurry that saw them gain a 2-0 advantage.
A worrying trend in front of goal
According to MARCA, Real Madrid lead all of Europe in big chances created with 27, but they also top a far less flattering chart, having squandered 19 of them.
That means Real Madrid are missing seven out of every ten clear opportunities they generate, the worst conversion rate on the continent.
Barcelona follow closely with the same number of chances created but a superior return, having wasted 15.
The issue has become a recurring theme in recent matches. Against Betis, Real Madrid dominated and accumulated three expected goals, including a penalty missed by Kylian Mbappe, yet still contrived to lose.
Against Inter, they again peppered the goal without the necessary precision to kill the game off.
Courtois to the rescue
The victory over Inter owed much to a superb performance from Thibaut Courtois, who produced several crucial saves to preserve the three points.
The two Real Madrid goals bore Mourinho’s trademark, both stemming from high pressing. Mbappe forced an error before finishing off Brahim Diaz’s assist, while Federico Valverde capitalised on hesitation from goalkeeper Josep Martinez.
However, having eased into a 2-0 lead, Real Madrid again passed up chance after chance, allowing Inter back into the contest through Lautaro Martinez’s late goal.
It must be noted Real Madrid had 35.6% possession against Inter ranking among the lowest recorded for the club in the Champions League.
For Mourinho, the ideal is clear: winning by finishing off the chances his side create. If Real Madrid can start converting at a rate befitting their creativity, they will become an even more fearsome proposition.
