Real Madrid News
Rodrygo, Camavinga, Carvajal react after Real Madrid 2-1 Vallecano: “Know what we want”
Rodrygo’s late goal on Wednesday night helped Real Madrid to a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu. The visitors pushed until the very end while the hosts looked lacklustre for most part of the game. Yet, they managed to create a chance when they needed it the most and Rodrygo took it with both hands.
The Brazilian first expressed his joy over scoring the late winner and provided an overview of the ninety minutes that pawned out at Santiago Bernabeu.
“It’s special to get on the scoresheet again, I have to keep it up. We were expecting a difficult game. We were up against a very good team but we played well. We struggled at times, but in the end, I’m so happy to get my goal, we’re all pleased.”
After scoring his decisive goal, Rodrygo pulled a special celebration from his back pocket, standing with his head lowered and raising his clenched fist. He said the celebration was for Vinicius Jr and spoke about the bond he shared with his compatriot.
“I dedicated the goal to my brother, Vini. We’re always together, we have been through so much together because we left Brazil at such a young age. Coming to this club, with its greatness, winning it all with this team and now to have to go through this situation is so sad.”
“I include myself in this because I am black as well. I want to send him my best and let him know I will always be there for him, he knows that. We will continue to fight against racism.”
Finally, the young forward was asked to comment about the immense support Vini received from across the globe and what it would mean to him.
“It’s been special, all the support for Vini has been beautiful. The things that have happened to him could happen to a lot of players. We know that it has happened time and again in football in the past. But we’re happy because we’ve seen the world come together to fight this.”
Eduardo Camavinga also engaged the press and opened with a comment on his deployment in the defensive midfield on the night.
“We started the game as we always do. I don’t know if there’s a button that wakes us up, as you say, I just play. I’m not a full-back, I’m a central midfielder but as I always say, you have to help the team. I always try and help the team, that’s what I have to do.”
Barcelona were crowned La Liga champions with their win over Espanyol and Real Madrid can no longer overtake them. Yet, the youngster insisted that the team still had their objectives fixed.
“The most important thing here is to finish as high as possible. We know what we want to do and since we can no longer get first place, we’re going to fight for second.”
Commenting about the Merengues’ overall season across all competitions, Camavinga was elated with the three tiles lifted but maintained that the UCL was the one true goal.
“We always want to win the Champions League here, but it’s been a good season. We won three titles, it’s not bad. We know you have to win the Champions League here, but we’ll fight to do that next season.”
Finally, the Frenchman gave his two cents on racism and the support at the Santiago Bernabeu for Vincius Jr last night.
“It was beautiful. There is no place for racism in this world. What we did before kick-off is good for everyone, for the world. We have to eradicate racism.”
Carvajal on staying motivated for the final stretch
Dani Carvajal started as the right back on the night and completed the ninety minutes with two key passes and two defensive actions. He spoke about playing games without purpose and the lack of motivation it brought. Yet, he added that the team was motivated to finish as high on the standings as possible.
“It’s difficult to bring a good pace to this kind of game, our season is pretty much finished. We play due to our professionalism and because we have to compete to the end. It’s as if Raúl’s goal woke us up and we managed to create two or three chances.”
“We try to win every game we play and finish as high up the table as we can, that’s obvious. We haven’t been able to take first place so we’re going to try and finish second.”
There was a point in the game when Carvajal was very close to seeing a second yellow card. The defender explained what transpired on the field and why his foul was not bookable.
“I tried to cut the ball out but I didn’t quite get there so I tried to pull my leg back so as not to trip Óscar. He left his leg there and dived a bit but the referee had a good view of it. I don’t think it was a yellow card.”
Finally, Carvajal too revealed his thoughts on the Vinicius Jr situation and urged players and fans to ensure such incidents do not recur.
“Everyone gets right behind this. It cannot be allowed to go on. We have to improve and try and ensure it doesn’t happen again because it isn’t fair.”
Source: Real Madrid website
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.
