Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s request to reschedule UCL semi-final first-leg tie falls on deaf ears
Real Madrid steamrolled past Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League over two legs to seal a semifinal spot in the prestigious event. The first leg of the final four is scheduled in less than three weeks, giving Carlo Ancelotti’s men enough time to prepare.
However, it so happens that Los Blancos participate in the final of the Copa del Rey against Osasuna on May 6th. This leaves them with practically no recovery time before the scheduled kickoff against Manchester City on May 9th.
According to reports from Melchor Ruiz, the club offices have asked UEFA to take the cup final into consideration while drafting the semifinal schedule and thus shift the game to Wednesday, May 10th.
However, there appears to be no movement and the clash will likely continue on Tuesday the 9th.
Under normal circumstances, Los Blancos would sacrifice any game preceding a UCL match owing to the vast difference in stakes. However, they cannot afford to do the same in a cup final, especially given their drought for success in the Copa del Rey in recent years.
There is thus pressure on Ancelotti to handle the two games within 72 hours of one another with minimal fatigue and injury concerns. The Italian has always been known for his man-management and one expects that he will find a way through the grasses.
The first leg of the UCL semifinal will be played at Santiago Bernabeu. The second leg is scheduled just a week later at the Etihad Stadium.
Interestingly, the fixture holds in store a repeat of last season’s semifinal which ended in a sensational comeback win for the Spanish giants.
If the men in white triumph on both fronts, i.e. the Cup final and the Champions League semifinal, they will be on the verge of sealing a spectacular end to the season with two trophies.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
