XABI ALONSO RAISES THE BAR FOR MBAPPé BEFORE CLáSICO CLASH

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso demands victory & for fans to "enjoy themselves" in El Clásico vs Barcelona. He also wants more from Kylian Mbappé, urging the star to be more effective & decisive beyond just scoring goals.

Xabi Alonso Raises the Bar for Mbappé Before Clásico Clash
Alonso’s Powerful Message to Mbappé Before Clásico - Creator: Mateo Villalba Sanchez | Credit: Getty Images

Real Madrid has won their past four games in all competitions; thus, it enters El Clásico in strong form. Against Barcelona, they will want to win five straight games, which would put an end to their dismal performance in the match.

Additionally, it would put an end to Real Madrid's "run" of losses in crucial games under Xabi Alonso; since his arrival in June, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid have defeated them.

Despite being happy with the reaction to the loss to Atleti four weeks ago, Alonso has stated that Sunday's game is the only one that counts, according to Diario AS.

We have been making corrections for a few weeks now. We think that, both psychologically and from a football standpoint, we are in a good place going into tomorrow. In addition to winning, I want the audience to enjoy themselves. The match is the most crucial one right now and has a unique flavour.

Before El Clásico, Alonso was questioned about Kylian Mbappé and acknowledged that he would like to see more of the French striker.

"I know Mbappe well. Everyone wants to win and is highly motivated. After the Juventus match, they are all fully recovered. The deadline for delivery is tomorrow.

They may be offside because of the calibre of our players, but we need to take more action. We must verify the source of the passes. Little things have a big impact. I am interested in seeing how he can be more effective, how he can look better, and how he can be the most decisive—not just when it comes to goals. The team's overall quality is getting better. "Mbappé is essential."

WHY DID REAL MADRID CHOOSE TO KEEP ENDRICK DESPITE MASSIVE PREMIER LEAGUE INTEREST?

After a stellar loan at Lyon, Endrick will return to Real Madrid this summer alongside Jacobo Ramón to form a new youth core.

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Madrid confirms Endrick and Jacobo Ramón will rejoin the first-team squad this summer - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Real Madrid has zero plans to let Endrick leave this summer. That’s what we’re hearing, even with Arsenal and Chelsea knocking on their door. We’ve also got some updates on Jacobo Ramon’s future.

Endrick is finishing his loan at Lyon on a high note. He’s put up seven goals and seven assists in just 18 games, and people are excited about what he could do long-term.

The 19-year-old forward from Brazil wanted more game time after struggling for chances with Xabi Alonso in charge at Madrid, so he pushed for a loan. Now, with Alonso gone, Endrick’s focused on forcing his way into Brazil’s World Cup squad, and honestly, the way he’s been playing lately, he’s making a strong argument.

Big clubs are paying attention. Arsenal and Chelsea have both checked in recently to see if Madrid would be open to a deal for him this summer.

But Madrid’s answer? No chance. They’ve told both clubs straight up: Endrick’s coming back to the Bernabéu, and he’s in their first-team plans for next season.

Endrick’s on board with that, too. He wants to stay and fight for a spot, a real chance to prove himself as a regular in Madrid’s lineup.

Florentino Perez backs him all the way; he still believes Endrick is the best young talent out there. The club isn’t about to change its mind.

Endrick’s not the only Madrid youth getting attention from the Premier League. Arsenal and Chelsea have also been checking in about Jacobo Ramon, the young centre-back playing for Como in Italy right now.

Ramon’s been playing alongside Nico Paz under Cesc Fabregas and has done well. Even though he moved from Madrid to Como last summer, Madrid made sure to keep buy-back and sell-on clauses, so it’s almost like he’s still a Madrid player on loan.

Now, the plan is for Ramon to return to Madrid this summer with Endrick and Paz. The club’s looking to keep its young core together and build the future around them.

Lots of clubs are watching Ramon; more than six want to sign him. But honestly, Madrid’s stance is pretty clear: just like with Endrick, they aren’t budging.

So for Arsenal, Chelsea, and anyone else hoping to swoop in, the message is simple. Madrid is keeping their best young talents. They’re not letting them go.

HOW HECTOR BELLERIN’S 94TH-MINUTE STUNNER PUSHED REAL MADRID TO THE TITLE BRINK

Real Madrid's title hopes faded after a 1-1 draw with Real Betis. Discover the impact of Bellerin’s goal and Mbappe’s injury.

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Real Madrid fall eight points behind Barcelona after Betis draw - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Real Madrid’s La Liga dreams took a big hit Friday night when Héctor Bellerín scored a 94th-minute equaliser, earning Real Betis a 1-1 draw. With that late goal, Madrid now sit eight points behind Barcelona, and if Barça win their next match, they could pull even further away with just a handful of games left.

Madrid actually started strong in Seville. Vinícius Jr took advantage of a goalkeeping mistake and put them ahead early in the 17th minute. After that, Madrid had control for large stretches, but it just didn’t translate into goals. Kylian Mbappé had one ruled out for offside, and Jude Bellingham, along with the rest of Madrid’s attack, missed some big chances. It all came back to haunt them when, in the dying seconds, Bellerín capitalised on the chaos at the back and smashed in the equaliser.

People are talking about Madrid’s defence and not in a good way. They’ve failed to keep a clean sheet for ten straight league games. The last time the backline struggled this much in a single season was way back in 2003-04, when Carlos Queiroz was in charge. This run has cost Madrid dearly, with dropped points piling up right when the title race is heating up.

This result marks Madrid’s fifth league draw this season, another missed chance that opens the door for Hansi Flick’s relentless Barcelona to run away with the title. With their Champions League hopes already gone, Madrid are now staring at what could be just their fifth season without a trophy this century. About the only bright spot? Mbappé made his 100th appearance for the club, becoming just the tenth Frenchman to reach that milestone for Madrid. Still, even that was undercut; he limped off with a suspected hamstring injury about ten minutes from the end.

Honestly, the title now looks like a lost cause. If Barcelona beat Getafe, they will go 11 points clear. Madrid has two tough away fixtures next: Espanyol, then Barcelona in a do-or-die El Clásico that could finish off their title hopes for good. With their form stalling and Barça flying, Madrid now need a minor miracle and a huge Barcelona slip-up to avoid ending this season empty-handed.

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