Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star loses penalty role as Brazil coach hands it to Barcelona forward
Brazil national team coach Dorival Junior has clarified that Raphinha would take any potential penalties in the upcoming match against Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
While being careful not to upset Vinicius, Dorival’s comments were clear in stating the penalty order after an incident during the previous match against Venezuela, where Vinicius missed a penalty.
Despite having a great opportunity to take the penalty, Vinicius insisted on taking it, even though Raphinha had successfully scored two penalties in a previous match against Peru a month earlier when Vinicius was sidelined due to injury.
Raphinha will take penalties
Raphinha, the Barcelona forward, had also shown his composure by scoring a direct free kick in the match against Venezuela.
Dorival, in explaining the situation, highlighted that both players were prepared for a penalty shootout, but in this instance, Raphinha would be the designated penalty taker moving forward.
“Raphinha and Vini were prepared for the penalty shoot-out. Vini ended up missing it. Tomorrow, if there is a penalty, Raphinha will be the one to take it,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Dorival went on to discuss the importance of gaining experience in such moments. He pointed out that only through facing challenges like this can players grow and mature in their careers.
“What I see is the following: you only mature with experience. You only mature by going through situations like this in your life and your career.”
While the technical staff is there to guide and support the players, it’s ultimately up to the athletes to navigate these situations and learn from them.
“It is the athlete who has to find the way individually. And collectively we, the technical committees, are there to help them,” he added.
For Brazil, the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Uruguay is critical, and Dorival’s decision on penalty takers shows his faith in Raphinha’s ability, while also acknowledging the challenges that players face in high-pressure situations.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
