Real Madrid News
Union Berlin defender issues warning to Real Madrid: “We are going to compete”
As Real Madrid get set for their first UEFA Champions League clash of the season against Union Berlin next week, the Bundesliga club’s defender Robin Gosens has issued a warning to the Merengues.
Union Berlin are playing in the Champions League for the first-time ever in their history and could not have asked for a better opposition and venue for their debut as they take on Real Madrid at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu.
Given the David vs Goliath nature of the contest, Los Blancos go into the game as outright favourites to come away with three points.
But, Gosens, who signed for Union Berlin this past summer, has warned that they are not coming to the Bernabeu to be mere spectators and that they will be go for it against Real Madrid.
As quoted by MARCA, he said: “We are not going as spectators, we are not going to admire the stadium and be amazed by everything that is around. We can do that after the game. We are going to compete.”
Apart from Union Berlin, Real Madrid also have Napoli and SC Braga in the same group and will be wary of taking any opposition lightly.
In fact, David Alaba has already admitted that beating Union Berlin will not be straightforward, having faced them in the past while he was still at Bayern Munich.
“They have had very special years and have earned their place in the Champions League. They have strengthened themselves for this season with well-known players. I have played against Union with Bayern and know how difficult these games will be,” he said.
Before turning their focus to the Champions League, though, Real Madrid have a stiff challenge in La Liga, as Real Sociedad pay them a visit tomorrow.
There just does not appear to be any respite from injuries for Real Madrid.
Just when it appeared that they were close to having their full squad – barring the two long-term absentees – the Merengues have been struck down by fresh injuries this week.
Arda Guler, who was on the cusp of being named in the squad for the Las Palmas clash, injured himself in training on Tuesday.
And now, during the game against Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have lost key defender David Alaba to an injury.
Close to the 40th-minute mark, Alaba went down on the ground clutching his leg and appeared to be in quite a bit of discomfort.
Soon enough, the medical staff arrived to take a look at the Austrian and seconds later he was off the pitch and straight towards the tunnel.
Lucas Vazquez came on to replace the injured Alaba, with Nacho Fernandez moving into the centre-back position alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Alaba’s injury leaves Carlo Ancelotti with just two fit centre-backs in Rudiger and Nacho, which is set to be a matter of great concern.
The hope will be that Alaba’s condition is nothing serious and that he is able to mount a quick recovery.
