Real Madrid News

Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes does not believe that Real Madrid’s prolonged respite ahead of their Champions League showdown this week offers the Spanish side any significant advantage. 

The Bundesliga champions warmed up for the visit of Los Blancos on Wednesday with a comfortable 3-0 win at Hannover this weekend, in which the likes of Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Robert Lewandowski – who appeared as a second-half substitute – and Franck Ribery were all afforded a break from the starting lineup. 

Thomas Müller, Robert Lewandowski and Sebastian Rudy scored in the second half as Bayern won 3-0 at Hannover.

Are they favourites to beat Real Madrid in their #UCL semi-final? pic.twitter.com/ainCgBv7Wu

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 21, 2018

However, with Zinedine Zidane’s side scheduled to play Sevilla in this matchweek, and Los Rojiblancos otherwise engaged with the Copa del Rey final, the Spaniards have enjoyed much longer to prepare themselves for the semi-final. 

But Heynckes insisted to ?Goal that he was unsure as to whether the extra time would offer a significant advantage for Real Madrid, although reminded his players that their concentration levels are crucial if they are to overcome the 12-time winners. 

“You never know if it [Madrid’s extra preparation time] is something important”, the veteran coach eyeing his third European crown said.

(You may also like We Are Not Bayern Hunters: Dortmund President Concedes BVB Need to Lower Expectations)

“The most important thing at the moment is the psychology,” Heynckes told reporters after Saturday’s game. It is key that everyone is already fixed on the Madrid game, that we only think and focus about that.

“The truth is that it was very important to win before playing the Champions League, it always is. We are used to playing every three days for a long time; the important thing is that the players want to play always and be prepared.

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A host of top Premier League sides are believed to be considering making a summer move for Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, after Los Blancos president Florentino Perez reportedly dropped the player’s asking price from £90m to £60m.

As reported by Spanish outlet Don Balón, the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd and Spurs are all believed to be interested in the Welsh sensation. Real Madrid – after an underwhelming season in La Liga – are believed to be planning a major overhaul of their squad this summer, and Bale could well sold in order to build a formidable transfer budget to sign new talents.

Man Utd are long term admirers of Bale, and would feel confident of beating their rivals to sign the 28-year-old. Meanwhile Chelsea could use Eden Hazard or Thibaut Courtois as a  bargaining chip in their pursuit, while Spurs offer the allure of a brand new stadium and a chance to return to the club where he made his name as a top quality player. Liverpool may also look to sign Bale, as they look to push on to challenge for the Premier League title next season. 

The former Southampton man has experienced mixed fortunes since moving to the Bernabéu in 2013. Despite scoring an impressive 81 league goals in 183 matches, Bale has persistently been targeted for abuse by the home supporters – with his individual performances often called into question when the team are struggling.

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Luka Modric says that he ‘can see [him]self’ finishing his career in the MLS – but would prefer to retire at current club ?Real Madrid.

The Croatian moved to Madrid from ?Tottenham in 2012 and has made over 250 appearances for Los Blancos, winning three Champions League titles along the way.

At the age of 32 he remains an integral part of the team, but with a major squad overhaul planned for this summer Modric may find himself fazed out over the next few years.

Asked about the prospect of a move to the MLS, Modric did not rule it out.

“You never know what can happen,” Modric said in an interview with Sweden’s ?SVT Sport (translated by ESPN). “I still have two more years on my contract with Real Madrid.

“I’m happy. I always said that I would like to finish my career in Madrid if it’s possible. But if not, maybe I can see myself also [in the U.S.].”

The MLS has become a haven for retiring players to end their careers, with David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard all choosing to play their final matches there.

(You may also be interested in Real Madrid Plan to Offer Cristiano Ronaldo Improved Contract Ahead of Upcoming World Cup)

The latest high-profile player to move to North America is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede enjoyed an illustrious career in Europe and has started well for his new team LA Galaxy, scoring three goals in his first four games for them. Modric paid tribute to Ibrahimovic.

“He was such a big player in Europe the last 10-20 years, one of the the best strikers,” he said. “I would like him to stay a bit more in football to watch him, but I wish him all the best in future.”

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Real Madrid are planning to give Cristiano Ronaldo an improved contract at the club before the World Cup.

Despite a poor start to the season, Ronaldo has managed to notch 24 goals in La Liga this season. The Portugal international is also the top goalscorer in the Champions League so far this season with an impressive 15 goals – seven goals ahead of second-placed Roberto Firmino.

General director Jose Angel Sanchez has informed Ronaldo that he will be getting an improved deal at the Bernabeu, according to Spanish outlet AS.

AS also report that Ronaldo could go from earning €21m-a-year to a possible €30m, plus €2m in add-ons. However, Los Blancos won’t extend Ronaldo’s contract past 2021.

The improved contract should be offered before the upcoming World Cup in Russia where Ronaldo will be playing for Euro 2016 champions Portugal. The 33-year-old’s first job in the competition will be helping Portugal qualify from their group which features Spain, Morocco and Iran.

A new contract has been in the works for a while, with the 33-year-old ?using ?former employers Manchester United as an intimidating factor in an attempt to secure a better deal at Madrid.

It was reported by th?e Sun last month that Ronaldo was demanding more money than rival Lionel Messi, who is earning €40m.

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?Real Madrid’s Lucas Vázquez insists that his side have “no worries” about facing Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi final, despite his side’s lacklustre displays in La Liga this season.

Speaking after ?a frustrating 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabéu – and ?quoted on the football website Goal – the 25-year-old winger said: “Of course we are thinking about that game but we do not have a single doubt. We are not worried, we are very confident.”

Nevertheless, Vázquez stressed that his side would need to prepare thoroughly for the first leg at the Allianz Arena, which will take place on Wednesday: “We have got to work all week because we want to win over there.”

Los Blancos have had a poor season by their high standards in La Liga, currently third in the table and 15 points behind bitter rivals and expected champions Barcelona.

They also needed a late Cristiano Ronaldo goal to salvage a point at home against Bilbao on Wednesday, though Vázquez does not believe the scoreline was a fair reflection of his side’s performance.

He added: ??”It’s a kind of bittersweet feeling at the end of that game because we played really well and I think we dominated the game throughout. They defended well, we had a lot of chances throughout and couldn’t find the back of the net.”

Vázquez has good reason to be optimistic that his side will perform better in the Champions League than in La Liga, as they have done so for most of the season.

However, they were somewhat fortunate to stave off a stunning Juventus comeback in the Champions League quarter final, as only a controversial last-gasp penalty at the Bernabéu spared Los Blancos the prospect of extra time.

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