Neymar To Miss Real Madrid Clash Through Injury

February 28, 2018 8:00 am

Paris Saint-Germain's French midfielder Adrien Rabiot (L) helps Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar Jr during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Marseille (OM) at the Parc des Princes in Paris on February 25, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / GERARD JULIEN (Photo credit should read GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Paris Saint Germain star Neymar is confirmed to be missing out on the Champions League last 16 second leg against Real Madrid after he suffered a cracked metatarsal in their match against Marseille at the weekend. The player appeared to badly twist his ankle and there was doubt as to how bad the injury was.

After scans, it has now been determined that there was a sprain to the ankle and a fracture to his fifth metatarsal. PSG won their game against Marseille but they paid the price, with the Brazil superstar being stretchered off. He knew he may be in trouble as well, as he was visibly in tears on his way off the pitch.

A statement released by PSG said:

“Complementary examinations performed today (ultrasound and CT) confirmed an external sprain of the right ankle but also the associated existence of a fracture in the fifth metatarsal,”

Neymar Linked With Real

He has avoided a really serious injury, but the key news for Real Madrid fans is that he will definitely miss the match against Los Blancos. It is unfortunate that any player will miss a game, but it is a boost for Real in a tie that they are already in full control of, after the 3-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg.

Of course ever since he signed for PSG, Neymar has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and many believe Zinedine Zidane’s side could make a bid for the player in the summer.

Florentino Perez is said to be a big fan of Neymar and would be willing to pay a huge fee in order to secure the player’s services. Some reports suggest Neymar would be interested in the move too, and it may happen. A lot will depend on the World Cup too, as Neymar will look to lead Brazil to a famous victory.

Espanyol vs Real Madrid Prediction & Preview: 26th Week La Liga

By Realmadridnews.com -

February 27, 2018 10:18 am

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 24: Gareth Bale (R) of Real Madrid CF celebrates scoring their second goal with teammate Karim Benzema (2ndR) during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Deportivo Alaves at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 24, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Espanyol v Real Madrid will kick off at 19:00 UK time on Tuesday night. Real Madrid currently sit 3rd in the La Liga table after a good few wins, and a victory here would move Los Blancos closer to Atletico Madrid in 2nd.

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Espanyol v Real Madrid Preview

For the home side, Esteban Granero is expected to play and Pablo Piatti is expected to retain his place too. Gerard Moreno will be the key goal threat for Espanyol so Real will be hoping to keep him quiet throughout the contest. Quique Sanchez Flores will probably decide to go with Oscar Duarte ahead of Naldo at the back.

Los Blancos will have Sergio Ramos back from suspension and he should come straight back into the team here. As Marcelo is still out injured, Theo Hernandez will continue at left back for this one. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are both out, meaning Mateo Kovacic will partner Casemiro in central midfield. One of Isco, Asensio and Bale is likely to miss out.

Espanyol v Real Madrid Predicted Lineups

Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Lopez; Sanchez, Duarte, Lopez, Martin; Sanchez, Granero; Baptistao, Darder, Piatti; Moreno

Real Madrid (4-4-2): Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Hernandez; Isco, Kovacic, Casemiro, Asensio; Ronaldo, Benzema

Espanyol v Real Madrid Betting Tips

Espanyol have won 2, drawn 5 and lost 3 games out of the last 10.
Real Madrid have won 8, drawn 1 and lost 1 games out of the last 10.
In the last 10 games, Espanyol have scored an average of 1 goal and have conceded an average of 1.3 goals.
In the last 10 games, Real Madrid have scored an average of 3.5 goals and have conceded an average of 1.3 goals.
There have been over 2.5 goals in 3 of the last 10 Espanyol games.
There have been over 2.5 goals in 9 of the last 10 Real Madrid games.

Espanyol v Real Madrid Prediction

Espanyol have been the draw specialists recently, drawing their last 4 La Liga fixtures. They pride themselves on being difficult to break down, and are likely to set up defensively. They got a clean sheet in the last game but it was against struggling Deportivo La Coruna.

Real Madrid have won 6 of their last 7 matches in La Liga including their last 4 in a row, and they have won their last 11 matches against Espanyol in all competitions. All of the stats suggest that Los Blancos will win this one comfortably.

The BBC forward line of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano all got on the scoresheet at the weekend against Alaves, and that will be great for the confidence of all 3. Real Madrid should take the win on Tuesday evening.

Free Betting Tips

Match Prediction

Real Madrid win 9/20 at Bet365.

Over/Under Prediction

Over 2.5 goals 3/5 at Bet365.

Result

Real Madrid to win 3-1 10/1 at Bet365.

Disclaimer: Odds correct at time of publishing

Match Report: Real Madrid 4 – Alaves 0: BBC All On Target

By Realmadridnews.com -

February 26, 2018 10:19 am

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 24: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates with Karim Benzema after scoring his teamÕs 3rd goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Deportivo Alaves at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 24, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Real Madrid completed their fifth consecutive win for the first time this season with a very comfortable 4-0 win over Alaves. Los Blancos have moved 2 points clear of third placed Valencia and now look like a good bet for a place in the Champions League again next year.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and also allowed Karim Benzema to take a late penalty to help regain the strikers confidence, showing that he really is a team player. Gareth Bale scored the other goal, with all three members of the old ‘BBC’ strike force on target.

Alaves weren’t without their threats in the first half though, as Keylor Navas had to make saves from Ruben Sobrino and Alfonso Pedraxza. Just before the half time whistle, some great play by Benzema set up Ronaldo with a back heel, with Cristiano firing past the goalkeeper.

It was then the perfect start to the second half too, as Benzema this time set up Gareth Bale to score just seconds after the break. This seemed to knock the confidence of Alaves who played poorly for the rest of the contest. Just after the hour mark, Real Madrid made it 3-0 as Lucas Vazquez’s cross was swept home by Ronaldo.

The Portuguese superstar then had the opportunity to score yet another hat-trick but instead he decided to give the chance to teammate Karim Benzema, who has been struggling for goals and was jeered by the home fans earlier in the game.

Bale was brought down in the box to give Los Blancos a penalty and Benzema struck the ball home from the spot. This was crucial for the Frenchman as he put an early miss behind him to go on and score.

Real Madrid face Espanyol away from home on Tuesday, looking to to continue their good form in La Liga.

Dani Ceballos Linked With Liverpool Move

By Realmadridnews.com -

February 25, 2018 8:00 am

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 28: Daniel Ceballos of Real Madrid CF in action during the Copa del Rey, Round of 32, Second Leg match between Real Madrid and Fuenlabrada at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 28, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

English Premier League side Liverpool have been alerted to the availability of Real Madrid star Dani Ceballos, after it has become clear the player may leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer. A report from El Chiringuito TV also suggests that the midfielder was denied a move in the January transfer window.

The Reds are expected to place a bid for the 21-year-old in the summer and it is expected that he will be allowed to go. After already denying him a move in January, Real will likely have to admit defeat on this one.

The player has really struggled to force his way into Zinedine Zidane’s starting 11 this season after his move from Real Betis. This has caused his career to stall somewhat, which has not been ideal for either the player or his club. A move away from Los Blancos seems inevitable already unfortunately.

Anfield Awaits

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking for a replacement for Philippe Coutinho after the Brazil playmaker joined Barcelona in January. It is thought that Ceballos would provide the spark that the Reds are looking for if he was to move to Anfield.

The player was made even more unhappy at Real Madrid this week as Zidane decided to put him on for just 29 seconds against Leganes throughout the week. The fans of his former club Betis took great joy in Ceballos being an unused substitute against them last week and the 29 seconds against Leganes wasn’t that much better. Boss Zidane has apologised for this, a move that the Spanish press described as ‘humiliating’.

He has only played 17 times this season with only 7 starts there too. A lot of those were in the Copa Del Rey as well. There were plenty of teams after his signature in the summer, including Barcelona, but the move simply has not worked out.

Rumours: Gareth Bale To Leave Los Blancos In The Summer

By Realmadridnews.com -

February 24, 2018 8:00 am

LEGANES, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 21: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid looks out from the substitutes bench for the La Liga match between Leganes and Real Madrid at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on February 21, 2018 in Leganes, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images )

Reports in the Spanish press suggest that Real Madrid are ready to sell Gareth Bale at the end of the current season. The Welsh international has struggled with injury this season and has reportedly also had a bit of trouble learning Spanish, which have lead to him becoming slightly isolated at the club.

Publications such as Marca and Sport have both stated that Real Madrid will be looking for willing buyers for Bale in the summer. On the whole, Bale’s move to the Santiago Bernabeu has to be considered as a success. He has been part of three Champions League triumphs since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.

That being said, the reports now suggest that both Zinedine Zidane and Florentino Perez have lost confidence in the winger, which is why they are ready to sell up. There may be some substance to this too, as Bale has started the last few matches from the bench even when Cristiano Ronaldo was rested against Leganes.

Arbeloa: Selling Bale A Mistake

That being said, former Real Madrid player Alvaro Arbeloa says that it would be a mistake to sell Bale. He had this to say at a Mambo FC press event:

“I wouldn’t sell Gareth Bale. I don’t think he has run out of credit, or that he’s in a bad moment,”

“If I were Zidane, I would try to make sure everyone is at the top of their game and would treat Gareth with all the care in the world.”

If Bale was to leave Los Blancos, he would have plenty of clubs competing for his signature. Manchester United have been linked with the 28-year-old pretty much every transfer window since he arrived in Spain and they are one of the few clubs who would be able to afford Bale as the total package.

Real Madrid v Alaves Prediction & Preview: 25th Week La Liga

By Realmadridnews.com -

February 23, 2018 8:00 am

Real Madrid v Alaves will kick off at 15:15 UK time on Saturday afternoon. Real Madrid recently moved into 3rd place in La Liga with the win against Leganes on Wednesday and they will be looking to keep the good form going.

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Real Madrid v Alaves Preview

Cristiano Ronaldo was rested completely against Leganes and wasn’t in the squad at all. He is expected to come back in for this match though. Gareth Bale was on the bench for that game too, and will be pushing for a start himself against Alaves. Marcelo is still struggling with his hamstring issue, while Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are missing in midfield. Lucas Vazquez has been in great form but could still drop to the bench.

There are not too many injury worries for Alaves here. Hector Hernandez will be out, while Carlos Vigaray is a doubt for the game. Alaves have been in good form recently and are not likely to make many changes to their starting 11 at all. Martin and Alexis will battle it out to start at right-back for the visitors.

Real Madrid v Alaves Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Hernandez; Kovacic, Casemiro, Isco; Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema

Alaves (4-4-2): Pacheco; Aguirregabiria, Ely, Laguardia, Duarte; Gomez, Garcia, Pina, Pedraza; Guidetti, Haddadi

Real Madrid v Alaves Betting Tips

Real Madrid have won 7, drawn 1 and lost 2 games out of the last 10.
Alaves have won 6, drawn 1 and lost 3 games out of the last 10.
In the last 10 games, Real Madrid have scored an average of 3.1 goals and have conceded an average of 1.4 goals.
In the last 10 games, Alaves have scored an average of 1.4 goals and have conceded an average of 1.1 goals.
There have been over 2.5 goals in 8 of the last 10 Real Madrid games.
There have been over 2.5 goals in 6 of the last 10 Alaves games.

Real Madrid v Alaves Prediction

Real Madrid have won their last 8 matches against Alaves in all competitions and this match is expected to go the same way. Alaves are in good form though, having won their last three matches including an impressive away win against Villarreal along with victories against Deportivo La Coruna and Celta Vigo.

Alaves are up to 15th in the La Liga table and will look to continue their upturn in good form. A trip to the Santiago Bernabeu is not the fixture that they would have wanted at the moment though.

Real Madrid will have 2nd place in their sights and will hope to get a comfortable three points on Saturday.