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.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
