Real Madrid News
Sources: Barcelona president wants PSG to knock out Real Madrid in the UCL
Real Madrid are set to host Paris Saint-Germain later this evening, hoping to overturn a one-goal deficit. It is a must-win encounter for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, especially given how the club have underperformed in the Champions League in recent years.
While Kylian Mbappe remains a doubt heading into the fixture, Barcelona fans will be keeping a close eye on the encounter, as former stars Lionel Messi and Neymar travel to Santiago Bernabeu, hoping to dislodge Los Blancos from the Champions League.
Speaking ahead of the game, Neymar has revealed that he was close to joining Real Madrid when he was 13. But the Brazilian later confessed his love to Barcelona.
According to MARCA, Joan Laporta was heard reacting to tonight’s game. It appears the Barcelona president is rooting for a PSG victory over the Whites.
However, the 59-year-old doesn’t want Les Parisiens to lift the UEFA Champions League title come May.
The Parisian juggernaut have famously never lifted the coveted tournament, even under the QSI era. They notably reached the final under Thomas Tuchel in 2020 but were narrowly beaten by Bayern Munich.
Nevertheless, PSG remain one of the favourites to lift the Champions League this term, along with Bayern and the four English clubs.
Real Madrid, though, will be looking to put an end to their aspirations, as Ancelotti and co. look to overturn the slender lead. A 2-0 victory at the Bernabeu should be enough to book a place in the quarterfinals.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
