"Important Match": Real Madrid Must Face Salzburg
The defending champions, after three losses in the fall, have only a slim chance of direct entry into the round of 16. Even for the intermediate round, the Madrilenians still need points. Whether ÖFB star David Alaba will get playing time again three days after his comeback against his compatriots is completely open.
Alaba: "I Love This Team"
Alaba had a 15-minute short appearance on Sunday in the league against Las Palmas (4:1). It was his first after his severe knee injury and 399 days of rest. "I enjoyed every single minute," said the 32-year-old in a video released by his club. "Of course, I made my comeback, but I still need time to find my rhythm, to be there, to help the team."
When the Viennese entered the game in the 76th minute, the match against Las Palmas was decided. The other Real stars then also embraced their long-suffering colleague in the dressing room. "I love this team. Without them, it wouldn't have been so easy to survive a year like this," Alaba emphasized. "Of course, we can still achieve a lot this year. That's our goal. That's the goal of this club every single year."
Curious Statistics at Real
For the third Champions League title in the fourth season after the return of coach Carlo Ancelotti, the Madrilenians must first get into the knockout phase. Duels with Salzburg and Brest are still pending in the new league phase. "It's an important match," Ancelotti said about part one. "We need to collect as many points as possible and see where we end up in the table. In this respect, the game is essential." Little speaks against his team except a curious statistic: Real has lost three of the four compulsory games played on a Wednesday this season.
Ancelotti would like to avoid the two additional games that the teams in CL ranks 9 to 24 have to play. "It's a very tight schedule, but we're used to it," explained the 65-year-old. "Our only chance is to win the two games we still have." The Italian has identified the problem area in defence. "We need to improve there, that will be the key to success this season." Alaba could contribute his part to this.
Vazquez Not Against Salzburg
Ancelotti does not mourn the winter signings. "We have a very complete squad." Against Salzburg, in addition to the long-term injured Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez is also suspended. Therefore, either youngster Lorenzo Aguado or midfield star Federico Valverde must help out as right-back. Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is out, his French compatriot Aurelien Tchouameni is also doubtful with a muscle injury.
Salzburg must be on guard against Real's offensive power led by the recently invigorated Kylian Mbappe. "I feel very good, I enjoy my life," said the Frenchman, who has scored four goals in the last three official matches. The match against Las Palmas was for many his best so far in Real's dress. Against Salzburg, he wants to do even better. "I feel like I can do even better," said the 26-year-old.
"Mental Matter" with Mbappe
Mbappe had to struggle with teething problems after his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain to Madrid. "I can't come here and say: 'Hey, you, pass me the ball, this is my team'," explained the star striker. "It's normal that I feel better and more important the longer I'm here." He thought a lot at the beginning - possibly too much. "It was a mental matter." Ancelotti praised the development of his number 9: "He is now much better integrated."
The Real coach himself had to deal with a radio report from the station "Onda Cero" on the eve of the Salzburg match, according to which he wants to leave Madrid in the summer and become a national coach in an unnamed country. Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso is considered a possible successor. "It's very clear: I will never decide the day of my farewell in my life," said Ancelotti. Florentino Perez is still Real's president for four more years. "He knows me very well. So I have a goal: We can stay for four more years and then say goodbye together."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.