Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s plan to give Karim Benzema a tribute at the Santiago Bernabeu – report
Real Madrid have started the new season in a rather impressive fashion, especially considering the fact that the club lost its star striker Karim Benzema in the summer.
The Frenchman joined Al Ittihad this summer, in what was a shock to many within the Real Madrid ranks.
Benzema’s exit left a huge gaping hole in Real Madrid’s attacking line, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with no viable replacement in the offensive unit.
While Real Madrid have rode Joselu and Jude Bellingham’s goalscoring form in these early parts of the campaign, the absence of Benzema will always be felt.
The forward, after all, had an impressive track record of scoring over 350 goals for Los Blancos, before he eventually joined Al Ittihad.
Tribute planned for Real Madrid
Keeping Benzema’s legacy in mind, Real Madrid have plans to honour the striker with a fitting tribute at Santiago Bernabeu.
This has been reported by Jose Felix Diaz (h/t Madrid Xtra), who suggests that the club’s initial plan is to welcome Al Ittihad at the Bernabeu.
When the Saudi Arabian giants come to the Spanish capital, Real Madrid plan to offer a tribute to Benzema, who is currently the star player for Al Ittihad.
Along with Benzema, Al Ittihad had notably signed Fabinho and N’Golo Kante this summer, as part of Saudi Arabia’s plans to promote its footballing league.
When will this be a possibility?
Real Madrid fans may not have to wait long before they can offer a tribute to their star striker Karim Benzema.
Although a mid-season friendly might not be arranged this season, given the strenuous fixture in European football, Real Madrid can always invite the Saudi giants next year.
In fact, Real Madrid may even consider a pre-season campaign in Saudi Arabia, where the fans may not only have the chance to see Benzema but also another ex-Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
