Real Madrid News
Vazquez and Lunin react after Real Madrid 1-3 AC Milan – ‘Our rivals are punishing us’
Real Madrid full-back Lucas Vazquez has openly admitted the team’s recent poor performance following their defeat against AC Milan.
It was a tough match for Madrid, especially with Milan capitalising on opportunities. Despite Real Madrid equalising swiftly and even taking a 2-1 lead just before half-time, the team couldn’t hold onto control, allowing their opponents to regain the upper hand.
“It was a difficult match. They took the lead, then we quickly equalised and before half-time, we scored 1-2 when we had the game under control,” he began saying.
Real Madrid were punished
Vazquez was clear in acknowledging the team’s struggles on both ends of the pitch. He emphasised that defending and attacking are responsibilities shared by everyone on the field, making it a challenging night for the entire squad.
“Our rivals are punishing us quite a bit. It’s a very bad night, defending and attacking is a collective thing.”
He also expressed his determination, stating that Madrid has a long season ahead and will continue fighting until the end.
“This is a long one and Madrid will fight until the end. The Bernabeu crowd is supreme. We have to work hard and turn this around,” he said.
Andriy Lunin’s take
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin also shared his thoughts after the game. Lunin’s standout saves throughout the match helped prevent an even heavier defeat, but he seemed deeply affected by the outcome.
He reflected on the team’s recent back-to-back losses against Barcelona and Milan, stating that these defeats are hard to understand and have been significant setbacks.
“I don’t see the team nervous. Unfortunately in football, there are difficult moments, black streaks. We understand that we are Real Madrid, we always have to win, and there are no excuses.”
Lunin acknowledged that, as Real Madrid, they are expected to perform consistently well and secure victories, leaving no room for excuses.
Despite this difficult phase, Lunin remains hopeful. He stressed that tough moments and rough patches are part of football, and the team’s focus now is to quickly turn things around.
“We have to react quickly, win again, show our game, dominate, reduce the chances on our goal, take advantage of our own. We will analyse it, but I think we will overcome this moment,” he noted.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
