Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president reproached RFEF chief over Copa del Rey final schedule – report
Over the past weekend, Real Madrid secured their first Copa Del Rey title since 2014, when they narrowly beat CA Osasuna 2-1. It was a joyous moment for the Spanish giants, who hadn’t historically fared well in this competition.
But not everything went smoothly on the night, with a recent report from El Chirinquito revealing a confrontation between Florentino Perez and Luis Rubiales just before the game.
As per the report, Real Madrid president Perez had reproached Rubiales, the RFEF chief, during the dinner the prior to the game. Perez wanted to talk about the schedule of Copa Del Rey, which was understandably questionable.
The final took place just a few before Real Madrid’s upcoming semifinal encounter against Manchester City.
Talking about the schedule, Perez was not too happy with RFEF president Rubiales. The conservation understandably created tension between the two parties. The report suggests Perez left the meeting in a form of anger.
Prior to the Copa Del Rey final, Real Madrid had requested RFEF to change the date of the final, but to no avail. One would expect the lack of initiative from the Spanish football federation might have angered Perez even more.
However, with the game done and dusted, Real Madrid would look to move on and shift their focus on the upcoming Man City. Fortunately for Los Blancos, the club faced no injuries to key players on the night and should have main players available for Man City, including veteran midfielder Luka Modric.
The Croatian had missed the last few matches prior to the final due to discomfort. But he featured as a substitute against Osasuna and has confirmed he will be fully fit for the Champions League tie this midweek.
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.
