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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 AC MILAN ARE TURNING TO REAL MADRID’S BACKUP ANDRIY LUNIN TO REPLACE MIKE MAIGNAN
AC Milan is preparing a €15M bid for Andriy Lunin. Discover why the Real Madrid keeper is now the favourite to take over at San Siro.
AC Milan might go after Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid this summer, according to Defensa Central. Apparently, Milan is having trouble getting Mike Maignan to sign a new contract.
So, Lunin is high on their list as a possible replacement. He did sign a deal to stay with Real Madrid until 2030, but Milan is still watching him while things with Maignan are up in the air.
Reportedly, Milan gave Maignan a final offer of €7 million per season, but he's not sure about it. Because of this, the club is now scouting for other options.
If Maignan leaves, Milan's bosses plan to offer between €10 million and €15 million for Lunin. They think that's a fair price for a keeper with his experience.
Real Madrid usually doesn't do winter transfers. The club has already said they won't sell anyone in January, except for loaning Endrick to Lyon. So, they won't even think about a deal for Lunin until the season is over.
Lunin turned down offers from Turkish clubs last summer to compete for his spot at Real Madrid. The chance to start every week at Milan could change his mind. At 26, he's currently Courtois' backup. A move in 2026 could give him the playing time he wants. Manchester United was also interested in Lunin last summer, so there'll be plenty of teams after him.
Why Real Madrid Should Ask for More or Keep Lunin
Lunin showed what he's capable of when he filled in for Courtois. He has the skills to play at the highest level. He saved Real Madrid many times, including in important Champions League games. Because of his input, his value has increased.
The rumoured price of €10 million to €15 million seems too low. Lunin was key to Real Madrid's defence for most of the 2023/24 season. Real Madrid should ask for way more if they decide to sell. If not, they should keep him as a backup in case Courtois gets hurt again.
Selling him for that little would be a mistake. It’s almost impossible to find another backup as good as him for that price these days. It's hard to keep a keeper who wants to be the number one, but Xabi Alonso thinks having a deep squad is very important.
Real Madrid needs to think about the money versus the risk on the field. Letting a talent like Lunin go for cheap would be a bad move. Madrid should keep him unless Milan makes a much better offer. Having two top-notch goalkeepers creates a sense of security that money can't often buy.
MARKET REPORT: WHY CHELSEA IS SUDDENLY THE FAVORITE TO RESIGN ANTONIO RüDIGER
Antonio Rüdiger is considering a shock return to Chelsea as Real Madrid pause contract talks. Read why Xabi Alonso is hesitant.
Word on the street is that Antonio Rudiger might head back to Chelsea. The Real Madrid player is thinking about coming back to the Premier League. His deal with Real Madrid runs out in 2026, and he hasn't agreed to a new one yet. There's talk he might leave next summer and maybe even team up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Contract Talks On Hold
Back in November, Marca said that Rudiger and Real Madrid started talking about a new contract, but those talks are on pause now. His current contract is up at the end of the season. They started talking months ago, threw some numbers around, and both sides seemed to want a deal.
But they stopped talking after Rudiger hurt his muscle in September. They decided it wasn't right to make a deal while he was getting better.
Back to Chelsea?
Rudiger played for Chelsea for five years, winning a Champions League title, before moving to Real Madrid in 2022. Now, he might go back to Chelsea. There are rumours that Chelsea wants him back next summer, according to Diario AS.
Also, Paris Saint-Germain is interested, and Galatasaray is watching what's happening with him in Madrid.
Besides Europe, he's also wanted in Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are thinking about trying to get him next year.
What Alonso Thinks
BILD said in October that Xabi Alonso, the Madrid boss, isn't totally sold on Rudiger. He thinks Rudiger has been getting injured too much and hasn't been playing consistently. Also, Dean Huijsen, who joined in the summer, has been playing great and has already won a starting spot. Huijsen and Eder Militao have been a solid pair in the back, but Militao got hurt recently.
Madrid Might Not Sign Two Defenders
Even with Rudiger's future up in the air, AS says that Madrid isn't looking to sign two defenders anymore. They were looking at Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich. Both of those guys might leave their clubs since they're in the last six months of their contracts.
There were reports that Real Madrid wasn't interested in Konate because he hadn't been playing well lately. They might still move next summer, but it probably won't be to Real Madrid.
Alonso's team plays Real Betis at home on January 4 after the winter break.
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