Real Madrid News
Thibaut Courtois believes Real Madrid’s 0-4 loss vs Barcelona was “a fluke”
Real Madrid have been unstoppable after the last international break. Though they have only won three out of four games, their only loss, too, is a moral victory as it saw them beat Chelsea on aggregate.
What has made their run more special is the fact that the team have found a route through every adversity that struck. While some wins like that as Stamford Bridge were dominating, others have been hard-fought.
Yet, one cannot help but turn the clock back to the last game before the international break. Real Madrid appeared to be in ruins against their arch-rivals Barcelona and lost by four goals at the Bernabeu.
In a recent interview, Thibaut Courtois was asked about the loss in El Clasico, which he attributed as a ‘fluke’.
“It was a very bad night, but we recovered quickly. You don’t have to think much about defeats. I am disappointed but their is a before and after that defeat. If you look at our results and our performance, it was a fluke”, he said, as relayed by El Chiringuito.
Indeed, both teams have had contrasting runs of form after the big clash. While Real Madrid have gone on to win three games and advance in the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona have struggled and got knocked out of the Europa League.
Los Blancos still maintain a 12 point lead over the Catalans in La Liga, and it is safe to say that the title is won. Nevertheless, Barcelona have one game in hand.
Having advanced past Chelsea, Real Madrid now face Manchester City in the semifinals of the prestigious European competition.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
