Real Madrid News
Ronaldo backs Benzema to be MVP against Barcelona, says Real Madrid have advantage
Speaking at the premiere of his documentary ‘El Fenomeno’, former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker and footballing legend Ronaldo has claimed Karim Benzema will be the most important player on the pitch during Sunday’s El Clasico.
Real Madrid play hosts to Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon with the top spot in the La Liga table on the line.
And Ronaldo, who had been on both sides of this rivalry during his illustrious career, has claimed that Real Madrid superstar Benzema will be the difference-maker on Sunday afternoon.
“I dare to say that the most important player in the game is going to be Benzema and he will celebrate it the day after with the Ballon d’Or,” Ronaldo said (h/t SPORT).
The Brazilian great then went on to add that while both teams are playing well, it will be Real Madrid who have an advantage given that they will be playing at home.
“I think Madrid, playing at home, have an advantage, but both teams are playing very, very good football,” he added.
One of the very few players to have been on either side of the Real Madrid vs Barcelona rivalry, Ronaldo also spoke about what an El Clasico means to fans and players.
“It is the biggest game in world football. I have played several and the atmosphere is incredible, from the arrival of the players to the stadium. And then the quality of the players… It’s a unique match,” he said in an interview with MARCA.
Real Madrid are currently second in the table, level on points with leaders Barcelona but behind on goal difference. Both teams go into the game on the back of draws in the UEFA Champions League in midweek and will be gunning to get all three points.
As Real Madrid look to restart the campaign following the end of the international break, all focus will be on the upcoming El Clasico in Copa del Rey on April 5.
However, before they take on their arch-rivals for a fourth time this year, Real Madrid must see off the challenge from Real Valladolid in La Liga on Sunday.
Given Barcelona’s 12-point advantage at the top of the table, La Liga appears to be a lost cause for Real Madrid right now. But that is no excuse for Carlo Ancelotti’s men to appear complacent, as they look to push for a late title charge.
However, heading into this contest, three Real Madrid players proceed with caution as they are running the risk of missing out on the next league game against Villarreal due to yellow cards.
The three players in question are Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, and Dani Ceballos. All three of these players have picked up four yellow cards in La Liga this term. Therefore, picking up another booking against Valladolid will rule them out in the next game.
Camavinga, in particular, has been a vital part of the Real Madrid squad since the turn of the year, impressing onlookers with his performances and versatility.
Carvajal, too, is a critical option at right-back and his experience could go a long way in helping Real Madrid end the league campaign on a positive note. Not to mention, the club lack the services of a reliable alternative, which has led to links with Reece James this coming summer.
Ceballos, on the other hand, has been one of the emerging stars this year. The midfielder’s performances have been excellent lately, and he would not want to lose any momentum by picking up a suspension ahead of the important Villarreal game next week.
