Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso was angry at Real Madrid players over lack of focus vs Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid were able to secure a ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals thanks to a narrow win over Borussia Dortmund.
Real Madrid played well for the majority of the game, but the scoreline could have ended very differently had it not been for a crucial late goal from Kylian Mbappe.
After leading 2-0 for the majority of the game, Real Madrid conceded a late goal from Max Beier, which was followed by Mbappe’s strike.
Dortmund kept on fight, however, and were able to pull one back thanks to Sehrou Guirassy’s penalty. But it was too little too late for the Germans, who ended up losing the tie 2-3.
Xabi Alonso was angry at Real Madrid’s response
According to Jorge Picon, Xabi Alonso and his staff wer far from impressed by Real Madrid’s performance, especially in the late stages of the game.
The Spanish tactician was particularly furious with the way Real Madrid defence lost control of the game and slept off during the final stretch.
The lapse in concentration infuriated the former Leverkusen manager, who was determined not to lose against Dortmund yet again.
Although Real Madrid were able to secure the victory at the end, Alonso has flagged the lapse in concentration as a major problem ahead of the semifinal against PSG.
Given PSG’s world class attack, the Real Madrid defence cannot afford such lapses, if they are to secure a ticket to the Club World Cup final.
Real Madrid’s priority, therefore, will be to retain a clean sheet against PSG in the semis. Even if not, the club will be expected to contain the PSG strikeforce consisting Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
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.
