Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder’s absence in UCL clash will be ‘important’, says Atletico star
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid face a stern test on Tuesday night as they take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.
Los Rojiblancos are entering the game fresh off a narrow win over Athletic Club, while the hosts are coming off a difficult defeat to Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Given how cagey both games between the two neighbors have been this season, it is clear that Los Blancos will have their work cut out for them at the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow night.
Atletico Madrid star’s forecast
Speaking to the media (h/t SPORT) ahead of the massive game against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul commented on how the dressing room was waiting for the game despite knowing well the opponent.
“The team is very good, with a lot of enthusiasm and desire to play this type of game. We know the team we face but with enthusiasm,” said the Argentine.
“The team mentally and physically is one hundred percent and understand that it will be an elimination of a lot of physical and mental wear,” he added.
De Paul also confirmed that he was in his best moment of the season on a personal level, albeit admitting that he hoped to improve further.
“There is a lot of the season left and the evaluations will be at the end. But I feel good.”
Los Blancos will be without their star midfielder Jude Bellingham tomorrow after the Englishman picked up a suspension for accumulated yellow cards. The World Cup winner admitted that his absence would be pivotal.
“Bellingham’s (sanctioned) absence will be important,” said De Paul.
“It is Real Madrid with players in a lot of experience. They know how to play these competitions,” he added on the strength of Real Madrid’s bench.
While speaking about the opponents they are going to face tomorrow night at the Santiago Bernabeu, De Paul maintained humility and respect for Real Madrid and their record in the competition, saying:
“The analysis is that we play against Real Madrid, at the Bernabeu, they are the last champions of Europe.”
“When the game begins there is nothing else but to do the best for your team. Everything from the outside is worthless,” he added.
Finally, De Paul admitted why the team was ready and hungry to take on Real Madrid.
“They are battles that one loves to play, but wear out because above all you need a lot of concentration.”
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
