Real Madrid News
Rival watch: Barcelona forward out of La Liga Clasico against Real Madrid
Real Madrid are currently at the lowest they have been all season. The 5-2 annihilation of Liverpool at Anfield was supposed to be the beginning of a special run, but as it stands, things did not go to plan.
The Merengues followed up their unique UEFA Champions League performance with a dull draw to ten-man Atletico Madrid before losing at home to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey El Clasico. Things got worse with a draw to Real Betis at Benito Villamarin in La Liga.
At this stage, Carlo Ancelotti will grab any slight positive with both hands. A critical run of game awaits the out-of-form Real Madrid including the league El Clasico next week at Camp Nou, and there is some good news for the visitors ahead of the game.
According to reports from Helena Condis, Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele is ruled out of the game at Spotify Camp Nou on March 19th. The winger is very close to a complete return to fitness, however, the Catalans do not wish to take any risks given his poor record with injuries.
Real Madrid have lost their last two games against Barcelona across all competitions. The 3-1 defeat in the final of the Spanish Supercup was a disappointing outcome, and the recent 1-0 defeat in the Copa del Rey has only served to turn up the heat on Ancelotti.
Heading into the meeting against the Blaugranas next week, Real Madrid find themselves close to a must-win situation. A defeat could take Los Blancos 12 points behind Barcelona in La Liga, a gap that would appear unscaleable.
Needless to say, Dembele’s absence comes as a big development in the run-up to the game. The Frenchman has been at the centre of Xavi Hernanadez’s plans this season, scoring five goals and providing as many assists in just 18 league appearances.
It has been a difficult season for Juventus, who are staring at the possibility of missing out on the Champions League next season. Thanks to a 15-point deduction earlier in the campaign, the club are dawdling in mid-table places and look certain to miss out on the top four.
Missing out on UCL action could be devastating for Juventus and may even lead to the departure of one of the star players in the form of Dusan Vlahovic.
According to AS, Real Madrid are aware of this situation and are sensing a market opportunity to sign the Serbian international ahead of the new season.
It is no secret that the Spanish giants are in the market for a new striker next season. Although star player Karim Benzema is likely to renew his contract, the forward has struggled with fitness woes this season.
It has accentuated the need for a new number nine. Real Madrid have invested heavily in Brazilian whizkid Endrick, but he will not be eligible to join the club until 2024.
Therefore, the club are looking for a new option, with Vlahovic emerging as one of the desired targets.
Formerly of Fiorentina, Vlahovic has netted 20 goals in less than 50 competitive appearances for Juve. He is known for his physical and aerial prowess, but what makes him such an appealing target for Real Madrid is his ability to sniff goalscoring opportunities.
Vlahovic himself might want to jump ship and join Real Madrid, especially with the opportunity to become the club’s main number nine looming large.
But with Real Madrid also planning on investing heavily on Jude Bellingham to strengthen their midfield, it remains to be seen if they would be willing to splash the cash on Vlahovic’s signing as well.
