Valverde’s moment and the domestic test
Federico Valverde is on fire. His hat trick against Manchester City was a declaration of intent. Now, Real Madrid must bring that imperial energy back to LaLiga.
The white team receives Elche this Saturday. A match that seems affordable on paper, but that already complicated their lives in November with a 2-2 draw. Three days later, the big objective: to close the pass to the quarterfinals in England.
“When the team is united and fights for the same goal, it is shown that we can achieve great things,” said Valverde after his magical night.
The collective mind as the key
Álvaro Arbeloa, in charge since January, has a clear message. It’s not enough to have stars; you have to be a block.
“This locker room is full of great players, but we also need to be a great team to beat Manchester City or Elche,” said the coach. “They must have a collective mentality and be clear about what to do with and without the ball.”
Arbeloa’s words resonate after two recent setbacks in the league against Getafe and Osasuna. The agonizing victory in Vigo, also the work of Valverde, served as a stimulus.
Meanwhile, Barcelona hosts Sevilla looking to avenge its worst defeat of the season (4-1). Lamine Yamal, with seven goals in his last seven outings, is his trusted man.
The most sensitive loss for Madrid continues to be Kylian Mbappé, out since February. Neither Jude Bellingham nor Éder Militão will be there. At Barça, the starting full-backs Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde are missing.
Off the pitch, Sunday is also voting day in Barcelona. Joan Laporta seeks to renew his mandate for five more years.
