Real Madrid News
Real Sociedad star confident of beating Real Madrid in Copa Del Rey semi-final
Earlier today, Real Madrid were drawn with Real Sociedad in the semi-final of the Copa Del Rey.
It was a favourable tie for Los Blancos, considering the fact that their other potential opponents were Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Aihen Munoz confident of beating Real Madrid
For Real Sociedad, though, it was the worst possible outcome. But it appears the Txuri-Urdin are not giving up hope. At least that is what star player Aihen Munoz said heading into this tie.
“It will be difficult, but we will try to do our best. All the players are ready and we will see if we can reach the final again,” Munoz said in a recent interview (h/t AS).
Real Sociedad were indeed the finalists in the 2020 Copa Del Rey final, where they beat Athletic Club in a nailbiting counter.
Talking about the upcoming Real Madrid clash, Munoz pointed out that Real Sociedad are already aware of Los Blancos as an opponent.
“We already know what it is like to win a tie against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in a single match,” he said, recalling the quarter-final tie played in the 2019-20 season.
For Munoz, the key is to perform well in the first leg before producing a defensive masterclass in the return leg.
“We will try to get a good result at home, which will be a very nice match, and go all out to the Bernabeu,” he said.
Former Real Sociedad player on facing Real Madrid
Apart from Munoz, Real Sociedad’s institutional representative, Xabi Prieto, also reacted to the tie.
“The club is facing the tie with great enthusiasm and desire. It’s a competition that we really like,” he said, before going on to heap praise on Real Madrid.
“We already knew that they were going to be a great team. At Anoeta, in front of our fans, they will surely help us get a good result so that we can finish off at the Bernabeu,” the former Sociedad star added.
Finally, Xabi Prieto was asked about whether or not Real Madrid’s strategy of putting pressure on referees ahead of key matches could impact the outcome of this tie.
“I hope not. Like any player, they can make mistakes, but we believe in the honesty of the referees,” he replied.
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.
