Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder raises new injury concern after Man City victory – ‘Don’t know if I have anything wrong’
Real Madrid delivered an impressive performance against Manchester City, securing a convincing 3-0 victory in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
The result gives the Spanish giants a strong advantage heading into the second leg, and several Real Madrid players reflected on the importance of the performance after the final whistle.
One of them was midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who spoke about the team’s collective effort and the mentality required to succeed in big matches.
Tchouameni stressed that Real Madrid are capable of beating any opponent when the entire team works together on the pitch.
“When we all work together as a team, we can win every game.
“There are games that we haven’t played our best, but we try to give our best in every game, and I think we played a big game.
“We have to keep it up if we want to win titles this season,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Praise for Valverde’s incredible performance
One of the standout performers of the night was Federico Valverde, who produced a remarkable display by scoring the first hat-trick of his professional career.
Tchouameni was full of admiration for his teammate and highlighted Valverde’s versatility as one of his biggest strengths.
He praised the great game played by Uruguayan Fede Valverde, who scored the first hat trick of his career.
“It’s incredible what he’s done. He played on the right wing, but he can play in any position on the field with world-class skill.”
Concern over ankle injury
Despite the positive result, the match ended with a small concern for Tchouameni himself. The midfielder revealed that he finished the game while dealing with pain in his ankle.
He explained that further medical tests will determine whether there is a serious issue, although he remained focused on the importance of the victory rather than his personal situation.
“I really don’t know if I have anything wrong with me.
“We’ll talk on Thursday, but the most important thing isn’t how I am, it’s the victory and how we played as a team,” he concluded.
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.
