Real Madrid News
Simeone admits Atletico fell short against Real Madrid: ‘We failed to control the game’
The Madrid derby always delivers intensity, but this latest clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid also brought a moment of rare honesty from the visiting dugout.
After a 3-2 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu, Diego Simeone chose not to look for excuses, instead pointing directly at his team’s shortcomings.
Despite the narrow scoreline and a few controversial moments during the match, Simeone made it clear that refereeing decisions were not the deciding factor.
Addressing a potential penalty situation involving Marcos Llorente, the Argentine coach dismissed the idea that it influenced the outcome.
“I don’t think that’s the reason we didn’t win.
“We had the chance to capitalise on the good opportunities we created, but we weren’t able to take that final step and win a game that we at least deserved a little more,” he analysed.
Further analysis
Rather than focusing on external factors, Simeone highlighted the areas where Atletico simply did not perform at the required level.
One of the biggest issues, in his view, was the inability to control key phases of the match.
“We needed to control the game better, create more dangerous chances, and we weren’t able to put what I’m talking about into practice.”
The derby also saw complaints from within the Atletico camp regarding refereeing decisions, but Simeone was quick to distance himself from that.
He stressed that his team had enough opportunities to influence the result regardless of officiating.
“I’m not getting into that. I don’t think it interfered with the match; we could have done more. We had the match to control better at 0-1, to do more offensively.
“It would have helped us with what was coming up. We have tough opponents; anything you give them is going to hurt you.”
What was Atletico lacking?
That particular moment, when Atletico took the lead, was seen as a turning point.
Instead of building on their advantage, they allowed Real Madrid back into the game, something Simeone openly acknowledged.
“We failed to control the game, defend better than we did, and read the situations better to attack. We weren’t able to put all that into practice,” he concluded.
Source: AS
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.
