Real Madrid News
Real Madrid panicking over prospect of being eliminated from the Champions League while eternal rivals could secure qualification
The Champions League is historically regarded as Real Madrid’s domain. The Merengues boast a staggering 14 titles, surpassing the collective tally of all remaining teams in the tournament.
Real Madrid’s season thus far has shown several encouraging signs, as they are en route to winning La Liga and started 2024 off strong by defeating Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
But after the draw against Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, uncertainty looms over the team’s chances of lifting the trophy.
Madrid in panic as Champions League exit looms large
Indeed, as per SPORT (h/t FCB World) Real Madrid are in a frenzy because they believe they are on the cusp of Champions League elimination.
While the Merengues have a second leg to make amends, the club recognizes they missed out on a great opportunity by drawing at home turf, especially considering they could not make the most of their dominance in the first half.
Additionally, the report states that Los Blancos cannot stand the possibility of Barcelona securing qualification to the semi-finals, with the Catalans maintaining a 1-goal lead over PSG and set to play the second leg at home.
Unlike normally, Carlo Ancelotti appeared incredibly nervous in the press conference, which is a sign of the rising tensions in the Spanish Capital.
Manchester City will retrieve key players
Counting Real Madrid out in the Champions League is never a wise idea, but matters will be made worse for the Royal Whites, as the Cityzens will have both Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker on the bench in the second leg.
Furthermore, despite his exclusion in the first leg, Kevin de Bruyne is expected to start at the Etihad Stadium, while Phil Foden will be present too, despite picking up a knock in the first leg.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
