Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star set for first start against Lille, another surprise awaits
Journalist Edu Aguirre has reported on El Chiringuito TV that there are some significant developments ahead of Real Madrid’s away match against Lille in the UEFA Champions League.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti is not only considering Kylian Mbappe for a spot on the bench but will start Eduardo Camavinga against the French side. Additionally, there could be another surprise in the lineup.
Lille hold particular importance for Camavinga, as this match might mark the beginning of his pivotal role in Real Madrid’s midfield.
Important return for Real Madrid
This game would be Camavinga’s first start of the season after recovering from an injury he sustained prior to the UEFA Super Cup. In the recent Madrid derby, he was included in the squad as an emergency option, as he had not fully regained his fitness at that time.
Ancelotti previously deemed Camavinga’s presence on the bench unnecessary, but the situation has changed now.
Regardless of his physical condition, Ancelotti feels reassured knowing that if Camavinga returns to play against Lille, the atmosphere will be ‘favourable’ for the young Frenchman. This environment could help him regain confidence and showcase his talents on the field.
Then there is Mbappe
Meanwhile, regarding Mbappe, the forward is feeling optimistic about his fitness, and Ancelotti has not completely ruled out the possibility of him starting the match.
However, the final decision regarding his involvement will be made today, as the coaching staff aims to avoid taking any risks with his health.
After suffering a muscle injury against Alaves, there were initial concerns that Madrid would have to cope without their star player until after the upcoming international break.
This would mean he would miss not just the Lille match but also games against Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.
Fortunately, his recovery has progressed quickly, aligning with his usual playing rhythm. Now that he has missed the derby, he is fit again and ready to make his return to the pitch.
The upcoming match against Lille will be crucial for both Camavinga and Mbappe, as they aim to contribute significantly to Real Madrid’s performance this season.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
