Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar set to achieve major milestone vs Real Betis; at suspension risk
Tonight, Real Madrid take on Real Betis in La Liga away at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
Real Madrid go into the game without several important players such as Arda Guler, Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois, and Rodrygo Goes, all of whom are injured. Aurelien Tchouameni also misses out due to a left hamstring overload.
Given the number of notable absences, there will be extra responsibility on the shoulders of other key players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. to step up.
A special night for Kylian Mbappe
It will be a special occasion for Mbappe, in particular, as he is set to make his 100th appearance for Real Madrid.
Indeed, since arriving from PSG as a free agent in the summer of 2024, the 27-year-old French megastar has featured 99 times for Real Madrid and will hit the century-mark tonight when he takes the field against Real Betis.
In his 99 matches so far in the royal white of Madrid, Mbappe has plundered 85 goals and registered 23 assists as well, showcasing his world-class quality.
To put this into perspective, Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema had managed only 41 goals in his first 100 games. Cristiano Ronaldo, being the freak of nature he is, had netted 95 times at this stage in his career at the Spanish capital club.
However, in terms of trophies, the France captain has been unable to win much at the club, with the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the UEFA Super Cup being the only two titles he has secured so far.
Suspension risk
Mbappe, celebrating his 100th game against Real Betis, also goes into the contest staring at the risk of getting suspended.
The French forward is currently on four yellow cards in La Liga and another caution in tonight’s match would take the tally to five, earning him an automatic one-match ban.
It would then rule Mbappe out of Real Madrid’s next La Liga fixture against RCD Espanyol on 3 May.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
