Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar opens up on his golazo vs Espanyol: “It’s a play that I train a lot”
Real Madrid secured a crucial 3-1 victory over RCD Espanyol earlier today at the Santiago Bernabeu. The win meant that Carlo Ancelotti’s men snapped a three-game run without one in all competitions.
There were a number of solid performers for Los Blancos on the afternoon at the Bernabeu, but it was the Brazilian duo of Eder Militao and Vinicius Jr that stood out the most.
After Real Madrid had gone behind early in the game, it was Vinicius who sparked the comeback by scoring a stunning equalising goal halfway through the first period.
The 22-year-old forward produced a sublime finish after making a piercing run from the left flank to breach the Espanyol net, lighting the spark that led to the comeback win.
Speaking to the media after the game, Vinicius reflected on his stunning strike against Espanyol and said (h/t RealMadrid.com):
“It’s a play that I train a lot, but in the games, it’s always a little more difficult because there are many players with me. Today I did well and I am very happy.”
Talking about Real Madrid’s ability and mentality to come back from situations like they were in against Espanyol, the Brazilian added:
“We have peace of mind to get out of a disadvantage. Whenever we get into a situation like this, we go out very easily. I would like to win the games more easily, but that’s what it is and we have to keep working to do great things this season.”
The winger also thanked the fans for the support that they showed the team at the Bernabeu, while also talking about how special he feels playing for a club like Real Madrid.
“Thanks to the fans for having come so many. We hope that on Wednesday there will be even more,” he said.
“I am very happy with the fans, the coach, and for playing in the biggest team in the world, I am very lucky. I have to keep working and improving to help all these people who love me very much.”
Looking forward to the next game against Liverpool, Vinicius added: “Good feelings for Wednesday. We have to continue like this, defend well, and go out to win the game.”
While Vinicius had a largely positive game, he was on the receiving end of yet another yellow card, with the referee’s decision raising some eyebrows.
“Referees don’t give fouls and they don’t give yellow cards. Players can foul me 15 times and, in the end, when the game is in the 88th minute, the referee gives a yellow card,” he said (h/t ESPN).
“Players have to think of a way to stop me, and, by doing that [committing fouls and not being punished], it becomes very easy for them. I don’t judge the players, but I judge the referees, because they have to apply the rules correctly.”
The Brazilian added that he was not looking for protection but more consistency from the officials, while also adding that he himself needs to keep his head clear.
“I’m not asking for anyone to protect me. Nobody has protected me in my life, except my teammates, my parents and the people that like me… What I have to do is to try to keep a clear head,” Vinicius said.
“Obviously, I make mistakes sometimes, I’m only 22 years old. I’ll make a lot of mistakes. But I want to make fewer mistakes and try to keep learning.”
Talking about the racist chants he has suffered over the course of the ongoing campaign, the winger added: “I wish it could be brought to an end. I wish I didn’t have to talk about it every time I do an interview. But it’s a very difficult subject.
“Maybe some people who suffer racism aren’t as calm as I am, and don’t have the support I do. It can affect people a lot, but you have to keep a clear head.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
