MADRID • Santiago Solari's future is likely to hinge on Real Madrid winning the Champions League.
But, with the team's deficiencies laid bare in back-to-back home losses to Barcelona, his side are staring at the possibility of their campaign being a total write-off.
After being knocked out of the King's Cup and 12 points off the pace in Spain's LaLiga, a third loss in as many games against Ajax today in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie could see the three-time defending European champions' season being wiped out in a week. Real lead 2-1 from the first leg.
Real's players are feeling the pressure, with defender Dani Carvajal admitting: "It's probably been one of the toughest weeks in my time here."
For the first time in 15 years, Real have suffered three consecutive defeats at their Santiago Bernabeu home, starting with Girona's comeback win and followed by the Barcelona double blow.
With Real captain Sergio Ramos suspended after his deliberate yellow card in Amsterdam, Ajax believe they can profit from the defender's absence after the Dutch FA also lent them a hand by postponing their weekend league match to leave them fresh for the trip.
PUT IN A SPOT
When you put him (Bale) on the left, the kid doesn't produce or suffer. On the right too. As second striker too.
PREDRAG MIJATOVIC, ex-Real Madrid player, on Gareth Bale's best position.
Frenkie de Jong, who will join Barcelona in the summer, is eager to further endear himself to the Nou Camp faithful by inflicting more pain on their rivals.
The Netherlands midfielder told Dutch daily Algemeen Dagblad: "Real Madrid are obviously the favourites (but) maybe Sergio Ramos will regret it if Ajax pull off an upset on Tuesday."
But the 32-year-old Ramos feels he still can guide his teammates from the sidelines.
Issuing a rallying cry to "continue working and keep winning games", he said: "We have another final in the Champions League on Tuesday and we will fight for it."
However, it is not only in defence that Real have issues, with Gareth Bale also woefully off form, having failed to complete 90 minutes in LaLiga since the end of November.
Former Real forward Predrag Mijatovic has questioned the output of the Wales forward, who was heavily booed by fans in both Clasico meetings, claiming he "has not delivered as he should" since arriving in 2013 as their club-record signing.
He told Spanish radio station Cadena SER: "I want to ask a question, 'Can anyone explain what position is ideal for Bale after five years?'.
"It's that when you put him on the left, the kid doesn't produce or suffer. On the right too. As second striker too.
"Five years (on) and I'm not able to explain myself, in what position you should put him."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
REAL MADRID V AJAX
Singtel TV Ch112 & StarHub Ch213, tomorrow, 3.55am
Football. Bloody hell! The comeback of all comebacks. Forget what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did as a player on that famous night in 1999, this was a moment like never before.
Man City's Aguero in frame to face Brighton in FA Cup 2 Min Read FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Fulham v Manchester City - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - March 30, 2019
Football: Man City's Aguero in frame to face Brighton in FA
Paris Saint-Germain were flying, Manchester United were in free fall and British pundits feared for the worst. Read more at straitstimes.com. Buffon calls on PSG to show 'spirit of sacrifice
Buffon calls on PSG to show 'spirit of sacrifice'
Subscribe to our channel:
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 16, 2019, with the headline 'Merlion Cup to return after nine-year hiatus'. Print Edition | Subscribe.
2019 Merlion Cup - Wikipedia
France coach Didier Deschamps said on Monday that Olympique Lyonnais left back Ferland Mendy will join Real Madrid. Spanish media reports said Real had agreed a fee of 55 million euros ($62.22 million) for Mendy, who has made 79 appearances for Lyon since moving from Le Havre in 2017.
Mendy Set for Real Move, Says France Coach Deschamps News
Home » News » Sports » Modric criticises Ballon d'Or gala snub by Messi, Ronaldo. Modric criticises Ballon d'Or gala snub by Messi, Ronaldo. as well as to football and the fans. However
Modric criticises Ballon d'Or gala snub by Messi, Ronaldo
Stags coach Kadir urges better focus after last-gasp goals
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said Friday that he was "honoured" to be courted by Colombia, who want the former Real Madrid boss to join them after the Asian Cup. "There's no doubt that Colombia
Iran coach Queiroz set for Colombia switch after Asian Cup
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/01/18/iran-coach-queiroz-set-for-colombia-switch-after-asian-cup/
Iran coach Queiroz set for Colombia switch after Asian Cup AFP January 18, 2019 AFP No Comments Abu Dhabi (AFP) - Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said Friday that he was "honoured" to be courted by Colombia, who want the former Real Madrid boss to join them after the Asian Cup.
Iran coach Queiroz set for Colombia switch after Asian Cup
"What keeps happening with Bale is a real shame. I like him a lot as a player but he is nowhere near being the leader of the team after Cristiano Ronaldo left," Mijatovic told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser. "It's worrying that he gets injured so often."
Bale 'nowhere near' being Madrid's leader, says Mijatovic
Kean subject to racist abuse, Juve teammate Bonucci says he incited crowd Emmeline Moore 03 Apr 2019 12:36 Despite scoring for Juventus, Moise Kean (centre) had a frustrating night in Cagliari as
Leonardo Bonucci Issues Tone-Deaf '50-50 Blame' Reaction to
Pochettino defiant as poor Tottenham form continues - Premier
TEMPO.CO, Liverpool - Liverpool crushed Arsenal 5-1 to move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday but manager Juergen Klopp still would not get involved in any talk of winning the title. Second-placed Tottenham Hotspur's surprise defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers
Liverpool's Klopp avoids title talk despite Arsenal rout
Jan 06, 2019 · Amond's late penalty gives Newport County shock FA Cup win over Leicester 74 places below Leicester City on the league ladder, the Newport manager, was walking around the pitch with his
Newport County | Football Paradise
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar