Real Madrid News
Valverde, Ceballos react after Real Madrid’s Club World Cup triumph: “It’s been a long road”
The FIFA Club World Cup is often dismissed as an easy competition for the European Champions. However, one forgets that in order to reach there, a club has to get past the very best sides in Europe.
Real Madrid may have enjoyed a relatively easy route to the trophy, but one forgets the numerous jaw-dropping storylines they had to create last season in order to get there.
Midfielder Dani Ceballos stressed on this very point when he faced the press after his side won the silverware, saying:
“It’s a trophy we’ve been working towards for a long time. It began last year at Inter and it’s been a long road. Winning the Champions League and these two games.”
After missing the semi-final through injury, Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema returned to the starting lineup against Al-Hilal and even scored a goal on the night. Ceballos has nothing but praise for the striker, and said:
“Karim is our star player. He inspires us. He plays so well in tight spaces and having him with us today was a turning point.”
Federico Valverde won the silver ball for his phenomenal run in the two games this week. He was only behind Vinicius Jr as the best player in the tournament.
When asked about his accolade, he humbly said that the team’s victory took precedence over his individual accomplishment. It was a special day for the midfielder as it was revealed that he and his wife are expecting their second child.
“It’s a great day for me and for all the Madridistas. I’m happier about the other news. You realise that other things are more important, football is a job that you want to do well and you also want to perform well for the club,” he said.
Nevertheless, the Uruguayan International confessed that winning the silver ball would do a world of good to his confidence and spoke about the various factors that kept him motivated.
“This is going to be good for me in terms of my spirit. I felt comfortable in the last match and I also enjoyed it. Today I tried to have a good time, I had already heard what my wife said to me and it lifted my spirits a lot. It’s a great day for me and for all Madrid fans,” he added.
Carlo Ancelotti gave Valverde a target to score ten goals this season, thereby pushing him to be his best. On Saturday, the midfielder crossed that benchmark and even scored his eleventh goal of the campaign. Valverde ran the press through the emotions in his head and the special hug he shared with Ancelotti after scoring.
“Now I have to keep going, I can’t relax. It was a big thing for me. In that hug with Ancelotti, I showed a lot of things. Last season I didn’t start with much continuity and he, with a few words, some advice and on a day-to-day basis, helped me to finish the season well,” he said.
“Today I am the player that I am thanks to him and he helped me a lot to get through this rough patch.”
Finally, the 24-year-old spoke about the importance of keeping up the steam at a club like Real Madrid, especially given the heavy competition he must endure.
“I have to continue in this vein. When things aren’t going well for you, you can’t go down and when they are like today, I can’t just stick my chest out and say that I’m the best. I have to keep contributing as much as I can, even if it’s a small amount.”
Source: Real Madrid official website
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
