Real Madrid News
’We are convinced’ – Bayern Munich winger confident of beating Real Madrid
As Real Madrid gear up to take on Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg later tonight in Germany, the Bavarians’ winger Bryan Zaragoza has claimed that he is confident of winning the contest.
Bayern Munich made it to the final four of the competition after eliminating Arsenal in the previous round. As for Real Madrid, they got past current trophy holders Manchester City in the quarterfinal.
Considering that and Real Madrid’s pedigree in the competition, they are seen as the favourites to win and make it the finals in London.
However, Bryan Zaragoza is confident that Bayern Munich will go toe to toe with the Merengues and emerge triumphant.
“We know that Real Madrid is a great team and that in the Champions League they are one of the greatest, along with us, but it is a 50-50% tie,” Zaragoza told MARCA.
“In our locker room, with enthusiasm and desire, we are convinced that we can win and we are going for it.”
Describing the mood within the dressing room ahead of the match tonight, he added:
“In the locker room, the atmosphere is one of great expectation and motivation ahead of the game. Being Spanish, for me it is also a special match, since we always like to play this type of games since we were little.
“We are all focused and very excited to have a positive result.”
Zaragoza has not played much since joining Bayern Munich in the January transfer window. However, he will be hoping to make a difference against a team from his homeland over the coming weeks.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
