Real Madrid News
Suspended Mourinho set to appear at Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid vs Benfica
Real Madrid are set for a high-voltage night at the Santiago Bernabeu as they host Benfica in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff.
While qualification remains the primary objective, the spotlight is drifting beyond tactics and line-ups.
Two storylines are dominating the build-up, which are the ongoing tension between Vinicius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni, and the return of Jose Mourinho to Madrid.
According to AS, Mourinho has informed the Benfica staff that he will attend both the pre-match and post-match press conferences in the Spanish capital.
As such, UEFA regulations permit him to fulfil media duties despite his suspension.
However, he will not be allowed to occupy any of the technical areas inside the stadium after being sent off during the first leg.
Mourinho was sent off
It must be noted that the Portuguese coach, who also coached Real Madrid earlier in his career, was dismissed in the first leg after picking up two yellow cards for strongly protesting a foul.
His reaction on the touchline overshadowed parts of the match, but what followed afterwards created even greater controversy.
In his post-match remarks, Mourinho suggested that Vinicius had provoked the racist abuse he suffered from Prestianni during celebrations.
Those comments triggered strong reactions and have placed added scrutiny on his return to the stadium where he once enjoyed major success.
Return ruled out
Years after guiding Real Madrid to multiple titles, Mourinho returns under a different context.
Meanwhile, despite speculation in some quarters, we have reported that Real Madrid have never considered bringing Mourinho back to the bench.
This is because the club’s confidence in current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa remains absolute.
Lastly, Wednesday night certainly promises drama, as the Bernabeu will be watching closely for how old tensions and new rivalries unfold.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Raul Asencio breaks his silence after acquittal in case: ‘Now it’s my turn to speak…’
Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has spoken publicly for the first time since being acquitted in the case involving the distribution of a video containing sexual content involving minors.
The Spanish defender was acquitted by the court earlier today after he issued an apology to the victims while also paying compensation.
This comes at a time when the La Fabrica graduate is also under the scanner after being convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Asencio addresses the case publicly
Asencio has now issued a statement on social media following his acquittal in the trial over the distribution of the video.
The two victims formally forgave the four Real Madrid players who had been prosecuted, including Asencio.
The defender used his statement to respond to comments made by his manager, José Mourinho, and made clear that he now wants to have his say both on and off the pitch.
“Now it’s my turn to speak, and not only on the pitch, but also away from it,” Asencio wrote.
Asencio explained that the months-long process had been difficult, particularly as reports and opinions about him were published before the courts had reached a decision.
“Today, after a long period of silence and respecting a legal process in which I always had faith, I can say that I have been ACQUITTED. I believe the time has come to share a few words.
“Over these past few months I have experienced a difficult situation and, at times, I have had to see information and opinions about me published before the Justice system had ruled.
“I understand and respect the work of the media in reporting and expressing opinions, but I also believe it is important to remember that behind every story there is a person and a family who live with the consequences of everything that is published.
“I have always trusted that justice would eventually put things right. Today there is a judicial ruling that speaks for itself, and I accept it calmly and with the satisfaction of being able to close a chapter that has been extremely important to me.”
Asencio thanks those who supported him
Rather than focusing on the criticism he received, Asencio said he wanted to remember the people who stood by him throughout the process.
“I don’t want to hold on to the noise or the difficult moments. I prefer to remember the support of the people who stood by me and trusted me throughout this time.
“I want to sincerely thank my family, my friends, my agent, my lawyers and everyone who supported me and gave me strength when I needed it most.”
“I also want to thank Real Madrid and everyone at the club who showed their confidence in me and allowed me to continue working, developing and enjoying what I love most: playing football.
“Throughout this process, I tried to stay away from it all, work and keep moving forward. Today I can do so with the peace of mind that I always believed in the truth.”
Asencio also addresses the drink-driving incident
The Real Madrid defender also referred to the separate drink-driving incident for which he was punished, while the club is also investigating the matter.
“I also want to address an incident involving drink-driving. I am deeply sorry for what happened and I fully accept responsibility. It has been an experience from which I have learned, and I am absolutely clear that it will never happen again.
“Now I want to look ahead, keep working, keep developing and focus on what I love most: playing football.”
Asencio called on those who had spoken about him during the case to give the court’s decision the same level of attention.
“To those who spoke about me during these months, I only ask that now the Justice system has given its ruling, this part of the story can also be told with the same attention.
“I don’t want to get involved in controversies or look back. I want to close this chapter with respect, with my head held high and with a great desire to move forward.
“Now it’s my turn to speak. And I completely agree with my coach: not only on the pitch, but also away from it.
“Hala Madrid. Let nobody have the slightest doubt,” he concluded.
