VALVERDE: TEAMWORK, MBAPPé'S ATTACK KEY TO MADRID'S STRONG WIN
Captain Valverde credits Real Madrid's improved intensity and teamwork for the crucial 3-0 win at San Mames, helping the team regain focus and attack energy.
Real Madrid got back on track in La Liga with a solid 3-0 win against Athletic Club at San Mames on Wednesday, bouncing back after three games without a win.
Kylian Mbappe was on fire, scoring twice and setting up Eduardo Camavinga for a goal, pulling his team to within a point of league leaders FC Barcelona.
Courtois Relieved to Be on Mbappe's Team
After the game, Real Madrid's goalie, Thibaut Courtois, who had some awesome saves himself, couldn't say enough good things about Mbappe, calling him ‘unstoppable.’
“He’s unstoppable. I was thinking during the game how lucky I am that he’s on my team, so I don’t have to play against him all the time, except with France. He’s just amazing, and we love watching him play and what he brings to the team. Hopefully, he keeps it up,” Courtois said.
About the team's performance, he noted, “That match was super important, and it's always tough playing there. It was key to get a win after a few draws, and we did it with teamwork, pressing hard, and playing with energy right from the start.
“We stepped up our game, playing with more energy. Against Girona, especially in the first half, we didn't have that intensity in attack or defence. It’s hard to compare the games because Athletic plays more open, but we were great.”
Talking about his two big saves, Courtois said, “Those are the moments when the team needs me, and I’m glad I could help, especially with that second stop.
“I read the play well because I saw the ball going to Berenguer. I closed the gap and got a strong hand on it.”
Finally, about that cool team goal that made it 2-0, Courtois said:
“It came from a counterattack when they were pressing us. I’m not sure if I started it, but that’s been missing from our game recently. Trent played a good ball, we moved it forward, and then Trent sent in a great cross.
“Mbappe surprised me with his header, and Camavinga finished it off. That’s what we need: guys in the box. It’s important when the midfielders get there.”
Valverde Praises Mbappe Too
Federico Valverde, who was captain for the game, also had high praise for Mbappe.
“It’s huge when a player as good as him can almost always create a goal when he touches the ball. It gets us going; it’s great to have him up front, working with the team,” Valverde said.
“We know what he brings to the attack, all the goals, but it’s cool to see how teams defend against him and Vini Jr.”
About the team’s performance, the captain said, “The best thing was how hard we worked for the whole ninety minutes. We’ve been having trouble staying focused in recent games, giving up early goals.
“We talked about it in the locker room: we had to change that and come out pressing and score first, to relax a bit.”
“We played great. Everyone on the team worked hard on defence. We were also really good on attack. We have players who can score almost every time they touch the ball. We’re happy with the win, and I’m glad to be part of this team.”
On being captain at San Mames, Valverde said, “It’s an honour to represent this team every day, and I’m so happy to have these teammates who always support me.
“I’m happy to keep playing here, keep winning, and keep getting better as a team.”
About his own game, he said, “I try to enjoy every day and do my best whenever I get a chance to play. The last few games have been mentally tough for me because I wasn’t playing as well as I had been.
“But that’s on me. I try to give it 100% in training and on the field. I’m always thankful for my teammates’ support. They’re always there to help me and pick me up. And I’m also thankful to the coaches, who believe in me.”
Valverde is glad that Real Madrid is back at the Santiago Bernabeu after a tough stretch of away games, adding:
“We’re excited to be back after so many games on the road. It’s a pleasure and an honour to keep representing this team. Returning to the Bernabéu is awesome. Hopefully, we can get another win with our fans.”
KYLIAN MBAPPé FIT FOR MUNICH; REAL MADRID EYE ANOTHER LEGENDARY CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REVERSAL
Kylian Mbappé is fit! Real Madrid face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. See the full UCL lineup and Arbeloa's plan.
The second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich kicks off on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena, and now Kylian Mbappe’s injury status is clear.
Madrid trails 2-1 on aggregate after losing to Bayern at home at the Bernabeu last week, with Mbappe grabbing their only goal late in the match.
What happened to Mbappe? Last Friday against Girona, he took a nasty hit to the face from Vitor Reis. Blood everywhere, a deep cut, and in the end, stitches across his forehead.
People worried about a concussion, but Mbappe got cleared for Sunday’s training. He showed up with a big bandage on his head, looking ready to go to Munich. Still, he skipped the next day’s session, resting up because he was sore, but Madrid said he could travel, and by Tuesday, he was back on the Allianz Arena pitch with the team.
Madrid’s official update: Mbappe took part in multiple drills, joined in tactical exercises, and finished up with some shooting drills. He looked comfortable.
So, here’s where things stand for the Bayern match: Fabrizio Romano says Mbappe will play. Not just available, he’s expected to start for Alvaro Arbeloa, with Jude Bellingham also back in the eleven.
Bellingham has returned for Madrid’s last three games after a long injury spell and started against Girona. He knows Bayern well, having played against them during his Borussia Dortmund days.
Mbappe and Bellingham are both fit for Munich, but Madrid will miss Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois, and Raul Asensio due to injuries. Plus, Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended after picking up his third yellow card of the tournament in the first leg.
Still, Arbeloa has options he can turn to Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Thiago Pitarch, or Dani Ceballos to fill Tchouameni’s spot.
Looking ahead to the match, Arbeloa sounds confident, especially now that Mbappé is fit.
“We’re Real Madrid. If there’s one team that comes to this stadium and turns things around, it’s us,” Arbeloa said. “We never give up. We’ve got 15 European Cups. Whether we go through with our badge or on top of it, we’ll fight. And honestly, we don’t need miracles. We could’ve won the first leg; nothing crazy about that.”
Madrid has a good history in Munich; they haven’t lost at the Allianz Arena in their last four trips. They won in 2014, 2017, and 2018; then their most recent clash was a 2-2 draw in the Champions League semi-final first leg earlier this year.
Now, with Mbappé and Bellingham ready, Madrid’s out to flip the script against Bayern just like they’ve done so many times before.
ARBELOA CLAIMS MBAPPE PENALTY WAS VISIBLE FROM SPACE FOLLOWING GIRONA STALEMATE
Alvaro Arbeloa slams VAR for a "moon penalty" snub. Discover why Real Madrid is 6 points behind Barcelona today.
Alvaro Arbeloa wasn't holding back, criticising the decision not to give Kylian Mbappe a penalty, a moment that saw Real Madrid's La Liga title ambitions take yet another hit after their draw with Girona.
On Friday night, Real Madrid ultimately drew 1-1 with Girona; Federico Valverde's second-half goal was ultimately nullified by Thomas Lemar.
In the game's final moments, the home side was visibly incensed, believing Mbappe should have been awarded a crucial late penalty.
Mbappe had driven into the Girona penalty area when he was met by the outstretched arm of defender Vitor Reis.
The French forward subsequently fell to the ground inside the box, but his protests for a spot-kick were dismissed by both the referee and VAR.
The impact left Mbappe with blood on his face, compelling the Real Madrid star to seek treatment above his right eye after being struck by Reis' elbow.
Kylian Mbappe's face was bloodied following the elbow strike he sustained during the match against Girona.
Although the Real Madrid forward fell inside the area after contact from an outstretched arm, his pleas for a penalty went unheeded.
Despite the Real Madrid star needing medical attention, the VAR system ultimately chose not to intervene and award the spot-kick.
"That's a penalty call here on Earth, and it's a penalty on the moon," Arbeloa candidly told reporters after the match.
"It's just another one of those moments, another week where this happens. It simply is what it is, and nobody, myself included, truly grasps it."
"When exactly does VAR decide to step in? It seems to intervene only when it's convenient for them, and when it's not, it doesn't."
"You're already familiar with my stance on these matters; the evidence consistently supports it."
"It was a clear foul; in fact, they called a lesser foul on Kylian earlier that wasn't even close to being a penalty."
"We've faced numerous issues with officials. Whether it's this incident or the one in Mallorca, it often feels like the same narrative unfolding."
This draw consequently inflicted further harm on Real Madrid's prospects of closing the gap on their rivals Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
Arbeloa's team now trails Barcelona by six points, and the Catalan side still holds a game in hand.
Alvaro Arbeloa vocally criticised the officiating decisions made during their draw with Girona.
Thomas Lemar's equalising goal unfortunately led to Real Madrid losing additional points in the La Liga title contention.
As it stands, Real Madrid finds itself six points adrift of Barcelona, with the latter possessing a game yet to be played.
Barcelona has the opportunity to extend its lead to nine points when they host Espanyol on Saturday afternoon.
Real Madrid's focus will now inevitably shift back to the Champions League, where they aim to overcome a first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
During the midweek fixture, Arbeloa's squad suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to the formidable German side.
The crucial return leg is scheduled to take place at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
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