Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar facing two-match suspension after red card against Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid may have celebrated a dramatic derby victory over Atletico Madrid, but the aftermath of the match has brought fresh concerns for the club.
Midfielder Federico Valverde is now facing the possibility of a suspension that could impact the team’s momentum in the title race.
According to recent developments from COPE, the outcome of the situation largely depends on the referee’s official match report.
What’s the story?
The document, prepared by Jose Luis Munuera Montero, highlights a key detail that could determine the severity of the punishment.
In his report, the referee stated that Valverde kicked the ball “without being within playing distance.”
This description could lead to a stricter interpretation of the challenge under disciplinary rules.
If the decision goes against the Uruguayan, Real Madrid could be without one of their most influential midfielders for the next league fixtures against Mallorca and Girona.
Losing Valverde at this stage would be extremely problematic for Real Madrid, as he has been one of the team’s best performers recently, having scored six goals in his last five matches.
What happened with Valverde?
The incident itself took place in the 77th minute, with Real Madrid holding a narrow 3-2 lead.
In what was already a tense and closely contested derby, Valverde’s challenge on Alex Baena immediately caught the referee’s attention.
Positioned nearby, Munuera Montero wasted little time in making his decision, showing a straight red card, much to the disbelief of the Madrid players.
Replays suggested a strong challenge, with Valverde’s foot making significant contact near the opponent’s ankle. Despite the protests from the players and bench, the decision stood firm.
Even with VAR involved and a lengthy discussion taking place on the touchline, there was no change to the original call.
Real Madrid were forced to see out the final 13 minutes with ten men, adding another layer of difficulty to an already demanding encounter.
For now, attention shifts to what comes next. While the victory remains intact, the potential absence of Valverde could prove costly for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder uses the international break as a ‘pre-season’ to regain fitness and rhythm
According to AS, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has fully capitalised on the extended international break to regain his fitness and rhythm.
The French midfielder has been using the past two weeks to have the ‘pre-season’ he did not get during the summer with an injury.
There is still a third week to come, the one that is beginning now, and it will be the week when he gets the green light to complete his conditioning. But the signs have been excellent. In short, everything is going according to plan.
Tchouameni played in the derby against Atletico Madrid without being at his physical and sporting best. He was fully recovered from his injury, but lacked match rhythm.
After staying in Madrid during the international break, he has worked hard on what was missing. Now he is ready.
A key player for Mourinho
Tchouameni is a key player for the coaching staff, the player who is expected to provide stability to the team. He is important in the build-up and, above all, provides defensive strength.
That is inevitably a concern: Real Madrid have conceded nine goals in eight matches. The problem became bigger in the last two games as the Merengues let in two against Elche and two in the derby.
Tchouameni played in both the matches, but it was clear that he was short of training and needed more minutes.
And, France manager Zinedine Zidane decided to not call him up so that he can work on those things while staying back in Madrid.
A lot of hard work
These have been weeks of a heavy physical workload for Tchouameni with very few days off. While many of his teammates have been able to enjoy some time away, he has understood that these three weeks are about making up for lost time.
It is the specific preparation he could not do in the summer because of the injury he carried from the World Cup.
Inside Valdebebas, the message is that he has spent “hours and hours” working – many in the gym, many out on the pitch, combining sessions with his team-mates with individual, personalised work.
The focus has been on getting his physical condition back to where it needs to be.
Centre-back crisis
In the short term, the situation is serious. Villarreal are next for Real Madrid, and everything suggests that Tchouameni will start, possibly at centre-back.
Eder Militao is already working on the pitch but will not return until at least November. Dean Huijsen is suspended after being sent off in the derby, while Raul Asencio has just undergone surgery and will be out for at least three months.
And, Ibrahima Konate is being handled with caution after returning from the France camp with an injury.
Given the situation, Mourinho will have to choose between Tchouameni and a youth-team player such as Oscar Naasei, Joan Martínez or Mario Rivas to partner Antonio Rudiger.
That decision will come later. For now, Tchouameni is about making the most of the present. by going to Valdebebas, pushing himself, recovering his fitness, his confidence and his rhythm.
