Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star happy with Barcelona’s ‘unexpected’ loss, but distraught over derby draw
Barcelona failed to extending their lead at the top of the La Liga table over Real Madrid to ten points when they fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Almeria this past weekend.
Shortly after the result, it was reported that the Real Madrid Whatsapp group went ecstatic and there is much hope that the reigning Spanish champions have what it takes to overtake their direct rivals in the race for the league table.
However, speaking on his podcast, Real Madrid superstar Toni Kroos, despite admitting his shock at Barça’s defeat, said he was more worried and disappointed about Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.
“Barcelona losing was a bit unexpected and obviously good for us, but I think differently: it bothers me even more that we didn’t beat Atletico, that we didn’t take advantage of it,” Kroos said on his podcast.
Real Madrid’s draw with Atleti in the Madrid derby did indeed invite a lot of backlashes, even from the club’s own set of fans, with many believing that it will pave the way for Barcelona to extend their lead at the top.
Fortunately for the Merengues, the Catalans slumped to a narrow defeat to Almeria, which means the gap between the two clubs at the club is now seven points.
Although a significant number, Real Madrid are confident they can make the ground during the remainder of the campaign.
In the meantime, though, the two clubs will be more focused on their upcoming clash in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday. It is a must-win encounter for Real Madrid as they look to gain an advantage heading into the second leg next month.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
