“He is a complete midfielder, very fast and physically strong, he reminds me of Steven Gerrard” were the words of Monaco’s sporting director Paul Mitchell talking to Tuttosport about Aurélien Tchouaméni.
League Leaders Real Madrid face eternal rivals Barcelona in a feisty El Clásico with both of the teams coming to this match in stellar form
There was much to talk about after Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Mallorca as the win was marred by possible injuries to Karim Benzema, Rodrygo, and Ferland Mendy. Here are some quotes from Carlo Ancelotti, Lucas Vazquez, and Fede Valverde.
Football Fans around the world, especially Madridistas witnessed a historic night at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday as Real Madrid overturn a two-goal deficit against Paris-Saint-Germain and complete the ‘Remontada’ to progress into the Quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.
After producing an awful performance against French giants Paris-Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabéu tomorrow (19th February) to attempt and get back to winning ways. Los Blancos will square up against relegation-threatened Deportivo Alavés in their twenty-fifth matchday of the season.
Real Madrid failed to score a goal in their last two games and a ‘cowardice’ display in the Champions League have left Madridistas agitated with Ancelotti’s tactics and team selection. Ancelotti was caught in the act of tactical failure at the Parc des Princes by Florentino Perez, and speculation has since been rampant that Perez has put direct pressure on the Italian boss to turn things around soon to avoid the ‘sack’.
Alavés has not been in good form recently as they currently stand 18th in the league table, four points away from safety. With a win in their recent fixture versus Valencia (2-1), Babazorros El Glorioso has their confidence high to snatch all the three points from the Bernabeu and make two consecutive wins, the last which they achieved in October of 2021.
REAL MADRID TEAM NEWS AHEAD OF ALAVES CLASH
Real Madrid travelled with a fully fit squad to Paris and things are expected to remain unchanged on the squad list against the basque outfit. Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr. are expected to start and use this ‘comfortable’ fixture to end their goal-droughts.
There had been questions over Mendy’s fitness during the previous game and Marcelo or Miguel can be expected to start over him.
The fatigue was clear on the faces of Modric, Kroos and Casemiro in the midfield against the French side and Ancelotti may use this fixture to make heavy rotations and find the potential of his squad depth.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
PREDICTIONS
Real Madrid may seem in a little bit of trouble concerning form but they should be able to dispose of Alaves comfortably. Attackers Benzema and Vini are desperate to find a goal that may steer Ancelotti’s men to a victory.
REAL MADRID 3-1 DEPORTIVO ALAVES
Kylian Mbappé ruthless, Real Madrid toothless: A moment of magic from the prized Frenchman separated the sides
It ended goalless at the Estadio De La Ceramica as neither Villarreal nor Real Madrid could find a winning goal resulting in a stalemate between these two for the second time this season.
Real Madrid win their first silverware of the season with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao for the Spanish Supercup
It is always a thrilling encounter when these two arch-rivals meet, and especially in the semi final of the Supercopa De Espana where defeat leads to direct elimination. Real Madrid won the day 3-2 but they were made to sweat for the result.
Madrid controlled the contest but struggled to break down Cádiz, who limited their opponents to speculative crosses and optimistic efforts from distance.
