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.”
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.
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.
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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