Real Madrid Outlast Unionistas for 3-1 Win in Copa Del Rey Round of 32
Jan 22, 2020
Real Madrid's Welsh forward Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Copa del Rey (King's Cup) football match between Unionistas de Salamanca CF and Real Madrid CF at Las Pistas del Helmantico stadium in Salamanca, on January 22, 2020. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by JAVIER SORIANO has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Salamanca] instead of [Ibiza town]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disp
Gareth Bale was on target as Real Madrid beat Segunda Division B side Unionistas de Salamanca 3-1 in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday at the Estadio Helmantico.
Manager Zinedine Zidane named a strong starting XI for the match and saw his side take the lead on 18 minutes through Bale's low shot from inside the penalty area.
Unionistas threatened an upset when they equalised in the second half through a good run and finish by substitute Alvaro Romero.
The equaliser brought a quick response from Real Madrid, who restored their lead five minutes later.
Marcelo's cross in from the left caused chaos in the penalty area and was bundled over the line by Unionistas defender Juan Gongora as he tried to clear.
Real Madrid added a third deep into stoppage time when Brahim Diaz burst forward and fired a shot across goal for his first of the season.
Real Madrid started with Bale, top scorer Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior in attack but had to wait until the 18th minute to open the scoring.
Marcelo's cross into the box from the left wing was met by Unionistas defenderGongora, but he could only clear it as far as a lurking Bale. The Welshman took a touch and then went for goal, his shot taking a slight deflection on its way past goalkeeper Brais Pereiro:
The hosts almost hit back straight away. Gongora tried his luck with a swerving effort from range, but a diving Alphonse Areola made a great save to keep the ball out.
Real Madrid went close to adding a second on 36 minutes. Casemiro sent James Rodriguez through on goal and the Colombian put an effort onto the crossbar from a tight angle.
James had another golden opportunity at the start of the second half. Bale's cross from the right was touched on by Benzema to the far post, but James was denied by a strong hand from the goalkeeper.
Real Madrid were made to pay for not extending their lead when Unionistas equalised just before the hour mark. Alvaro Romero took advantage of a slip by Eder Militao to pick up possession, sprint 40 yards and hammer an effort into the roof of the net.
The goal seemed to spark Los Blancos into life and they restored their lead minutes later. Marcelo's cross into the penalty area found a slipping Diaz at the far post and was forced over the line by Gongora.
Real Madrid then needed Areola to make a good save to preserve their lead. A sweeping Unionistas attack culminated in the goalkeeper saving Carlos de la Nava's effort from a Guille Andres cross.
Los Blancos should have wrapped the game up on 84 minutes. Diaz hit the post with a shot, while Vinicius and Luka Jovic were both denied on the follow-up by Pereiro.
The visitors had to wait until stoppage time to finally secure the victory. Diaz raced past Gongora and Romero before stroking home the third to seal Madrid's progress.
What's Next?
Real Madrid play away to Real Valladolid on Sunday in La Liga. Unionistas are in action on the same day against Alaves II in Segunda Division B.
PSG's Kylian Mbappe Praises Liverpool 'Machine,' Talks Real Madrid Transfer
Jan 21, 2020
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Monaco (ASM) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco on January 15, 2020. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has hailed Liverpool's relentless ability to win matches and said he is committed to his club amid talk of a transfer to Real Madrid.
Mbappe spoke to BBC Sport about the European champions at the launch of new charity, Inspired by KM:
"What Liverpool do in this moment is amazing. They're like a machine; they've found a rhythm and are like 'we play again, we play again.'
"They've lost zero games. When you watch you think everything's easy, but that's not easy. The guys are focused, they play games every three days and they win, they win, they win."
The Reds are 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand over their rivals.
Their 2-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday continued an astonishing run of domestic form:
91 - Liverpool have taken 91 points from the last 93 available to them in the Premier League (P31 W30 D1 L0). Insanity. pic.twitter.com/pbHDfG6PM5
Liverpool's return to Europe's elite would make them an attractive proposition to star players such as Mbappe, but manager Jurgen Klopp told reporters in November there was "absolutely no chance" of the club being able to afford him.
Mbappe moved to PSG from Monaco in 2017, with the Parisian club splashing out£165.7 million to secure his signature on a permanent basis after he initially joined on loan.
Per The Athletic's David Ornstein (h/t Goal's Jack Sear), it seems the Reds aren't going to pursue ready-made stars:
It is believed Liverpool will look to sign more Minamino types than Sancho’s. Their vision would be to sign the Mbappe that left Monaco in 2017 rather than the Mbappe of now. (@David_Ornstein)
One club that might have both the resources and the interest in pulling off such a move is Real Madrid, with whom he has frequently been linked.
The 21-year-old said he knows better than to talk about his future amid such speculation, though:
"We are in January—it's the money time of the season. Imagine I answer your question and say something. Everybody will talk about it, and it's not good for PSG.
"Now I'm with PSG and I'm 100 per cent with the club. I want to help the club grow this season, to win a lot of titles, so for me it's not good to talk about [my future]."
Mbappe said PSG have "helped" him and made him a "superstar."
"I have to stay calm and stay focused on PSG," he added. "After that, at the end of the season, we will see."
The France international only turned 21 on December 20, but he is already on his way to becoming one of the most prolific goalscorers in European football.
Not many players could force their way into Liverpool's front three at the moment, but Mbappe—who can play on the left, right or through the middle—is among those few.
He'd be an outstanding addition at Real Madrid, too.
Last season, Los Blancos scored 63 goals in La Liga compared with Barcelona's 90. In this campaign they've netted 12 fewer goals after 20 games, but with Mbappe in their ranks Real would be back on level terms with the Catalan giants' attack.
Reinier Completes Real Madrid Transfer from Flamengo for Reported €35M
Jan 20, 2020
LIMA, PERU - NOVEMBER 23: Reinier Jesus #19 and Matheus Soares #26 of Flamengo celebrates the victory after winning the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2019 between Flamengo and River Plate at Estadio Monumental on November 23, 2019 in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
Real Madrid announced the signing of 18-year-old Brazilian talent Reinier from Flamengo for €35 million (£29.8 million) on Monday.
The creative midfielder is the latest gifted Brazilian teenager to join Los Blancos, following the lead of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes. Their arrivals represent Real's efforts to replenish an ageing squad.
Marcahad reported how Real were likely to make the deal to sign Reinier official on Monday, one day after his 18th birthday.
The midfielder is with Brazil's U23s at the CONMEBOL pre-Olympics tournament, which means his arrival in the Spanish capital could be delayed until February 9 depending on his nation's success. Regardless of when his Real career officially begins, the player has put his name on a lengthy contract, tying him to Los Merengues until 2026:
OFFICIAL: 18-year-old midfielder Reinier has signed for Real Madrid on a deal until 2026 🇧🇷
Globo Esporte (h/t Marcus Alves for Bleacher Report) recently noted how Flamengo had extended Reinier's contract until 2024 but with a reduced buyout clause than the €70 million needed to guarantee his exit under the previous deal.
Alves detailed how Real "had been watching it all unfold and rushed to secure his signature this winter transfer window." He also outlined how Reinier is expected to join Real Madrid Castilla rather than head straight into the first team.
Eventually, though, a player who has drawncomparisonswith Selecao icon Kaka will be expected to make the grade at Real. Manager Zinedine Zidane needs to oversee a refreshing of the ranks in attacking areas.
Reinier was directly involved in a goal every 89 minutes in the Brasilerao:
Madrid are heavily reliant on 32-year-old centre-forward Karim Benzema for goals, while Luka Modric, 34, is still the chief creative force. Reinier, Vinicius and Rodrygo have been acquired for big sums to replace the aforementioned players.
It's also a recruitment policy based on ensuring the club doesn't miss out on the potential of acquiring the next great star of the global game. Archrivals Barcelona have had the upper hand in this area during recent years, most notably unearthing Lionel Messi before later beating the competition to Neymar.
23rd May 2017: Real Madrid agree €45m deal for Vinícius Júnior
15th June 2018: Real Madrid agree €45m deal for Rodrygo Goes
20th January 2020: Real Madrid agree reported €35m deal for Reinier Jesus
If Reinier delivers on his obvious promise, he could help Real to usher in a new era of success with a young and exciting team. However, the modest returns from Vinicius and Rodrygo, who have three La Liga goals between them this season, should give Los Blancos cause for concern.
It will be vital the club doesn't rush Reinier's development.
Donny van de Beek Plays Down Real Madrid Transfer Rumours: 'Nothing Is Official'
Jan 20, 2020
Donny van de Beek of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and Sparta Rotterdam at the Johan Cruijff Arena on January 19, 2020 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)
Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek has dismissed rumours he has agreed to move to Real Madrid at the end of the campaign.
Van de Beek has been frequently linked with a move to Los Blancos, having developed into one of the best players in the Eredivisie.
Speculation about a possible move was ramped up recently, when De Telegraaf (h/t AS) reported a deal is in place that will see the Dutchman transfer to Madrid at the end of the season for €55 million (£47 million).
When asked about those reports, Van de Beek dismissed the suggestion that transfer talks were that far advanced, per James Westwood of Goal.
"Nothing is official [with Real Madrid]," he said. "There is no contract. That is the situation. That has not changed throughout the season."
Van de Beek was also asked on whether he would need to make a choice between Madrid or Ajax. "I don't want to choose," he added. "Both are great clubs, but as I said before, Ajax is also a great club. Therefore, there is nothing to choose from. Everything would be very good."
The 22-year-old was speaking after his team got the better of Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday. Van de Beek opened the scoring in the 2-1 win:
⚪🔴 Donny van de Beek slots home to put Ajax in front!
In addition to Real Madrid, Mark Ogden of ESPN reported Manchester United are considering a move for the midfielder. However, he has already said in January that he has no interest in leaving the Amsterdam giants before the end of the campaign.
It would be a surprise if Van de Beek remained at Ajax beyond this season, though, as it appears some of the wealthiest clubs in the world are circling.
Van de Beek has been one of the most consistent goalscoring midfielders in European football in recent seasons. Squawka Football summed up how productive the Ajax star is:
Donny Van de Beek in the Eredivisie and Champions League since the start of 2017/18:
Madrid are blessed with quality in midfield, with Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro and Federico Valverde all fighting for places in the team. Earlier in the season, Lucas Navarrete of Managing Madrid said he's unsure where Van de Beek would fit in:
Maybe I just caught a poor performance from him, but I'm extremely discouraged by what I saw from Van de Beek tonight and I just don't see where he'd fit in this Real Madrid team.
While he may not be as technically gifted as a number of his Ajax team-mates, Van de Beek times runs into the area brilliantly and is an unerring finisher when he gets opportunities.
Madrid lack that kind of goalscoring thrust from the centre of the park, as talented as the crop of midfielders they have is. With that in mind, it wouldn't be a surprise if manager Zinedine Zidane were pushing to bring in a player in the mould of the Netherlands international.
Zinedine Zidane, Monchi Respond to VAR Calls in Real Madrid vs. Sevilla
Jan 19, 2020
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 18: Coach Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on January 18, 2020 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Zinedine Zidane and Monchi both spoke out about the controversial VAR calls during Saturday's 2-1 win for Real Madrid against Sevilla in La Liga, disagreeing over both decisions.
The video assistant intervened to take away Luuk de Jong's opener for a block inside the box but did nothing when Munir El Haddadi appeared to handle the ball into the path of the Dutchman in the second half.
Per EFE (h/t Sport), Sevilla director Monchi couldn't believe the first goal didn't count, and he said he would have marched his team off the pitch if the second had been disallowed as well:
"It's the type of thing you see all the time, and I refuse to analyse the game after [the disallowed goal] because that moment was key, and it's absurd to try and give any analysis after a goal like that was ruled out. If they had ruled out our other goal, I would have gone down to the pitch and ordered my players to leave."
SEVILLE, SPAIN - JUNE 05: Sports director, Monchi, addresses the media at Lebreros Hostel on June 05, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Zidane was asked about Monchi's comments and the two situations, and he saw things differently:
"It's his problem. His comments are his responsibility, and I'm no one to say if he's right or not, but the referee is the one who decides. What he's said seems a bit strong to me, but I am not going to stop Sevilla's sporting director talking.
"I've seen the disallowed goal back, and it's a block; there's clearly a foul. The referee looked at the screen and gave the foul.
"For their goal, he doesn't blow for handball and there is one. I cannot explain it, so I don't ever get involved in assessing what goes on on the pitch because it's the referees who decide―sometimes against you, other times in your favour. It's a tough job. I saw a clear foul, and the goal was rightly ruled out. They can complain, but there's nothing to complain about."
Casemiro scored both goals for Real in Saturday's encounter. Here are the highlights from the match:
The midfielder came into the match having scored just once in La Liga all season. Known for his defensive prowess, he has never scored more than five La Liga goals in a single campaign.
His unexpected production was sorely needed, with star striker Karim Benzema only fit enough to make an appearance off the bench. Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez weren't in the squad.
The win saw Los Blancos take sole possession of the La Liga lead, but Barcelona have a match in hand:
Sevilla sit in fourth place in the standings, but thanks to Eibar's shock win over Atletico Madrid, the Andalusians didn't lose any ground on the Rojiblancos. The two teams are tied on points.
The loss continued a worrying stretch of form for Sevilla, dating back to before the winter break. The team has just one win in its last five La Liga outings.
Real haven't lost a match in any competition since October 19, when Mallorca beat them 1-0. Los Blancos have won their last two La Liga matches after drawing the previous three.
Zidane's troops appear to be finding their best form at a crucial time. They'll face Unionistas in the Copa del Rey in midweek, before a visit to Real Valladolid and a date with local rivals Atletico in La Liga.
Casemiro's Brace Leads Real Madrid to 2-1 La Liga Win over Sevilla
Jan 18, 2020
Real Madrid's Casemiro, right, scores his side's second goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Sevilla at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Real Madrid went clear at the top of La Liga on Saturday after defeating Sevilla 2-1at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
In a match of few chances, Real finally gained the lead when Casemiro's intelligent finish broke the deadlock after 57 minutes.
However, Sevilla deservedly earned an equaliser just seven minutes later through Luuk de Jong's curling shot.
The game remained level for just five minutes as Casemiro completed his brace with a 69th-minute header.
An even first half saw both sides struggle in the final third, but the visitors appeared mobile and motivated to pressurise the hosts.
Real had few opportunities to break the deadlock, but Casemiro's long-range effort causedSevillagoalkeeper TomasVaclikconcern midway through the first half.
The away team believed they had taken the lead after DeJong's back-post header beat ThibautCourtois. However, after the referee reviewed the VAR monitor, the effort was disallowed because NemanjaGudeljfouledEderMilitaoin the buildup.
Both sides only managed one shot on target each before the interval, and Real appeared jaded after their 2020 Spanish Super Cup victory in Saudi Arabia.
Journalist Dermot Corrigan summarised the first-half action:
HT Madrid 0-0 Sevilla. Lopetegui still fuming as he heads for tunnel as his team had [prob deserved] goal ruled out in pretty much only interesting moment of first half.
LosBlancosand LosNervionensesboth took their time to find traction after the restart, but it was the latter who controlled possession. However, Real grabbed the lead after eventually putting together a worthy attack.
Casemirocombined with LukaJovicon the edge of the box, and the Brazil international expertly lifted the ball over Vaclikas he attempted to save.
Going behind was cruel onSevilla, but they responded in the best way possible to level the contest.
Real failed to clear their lines on the edge of the box, allowing DeJongto wriggle past defenders and curl his left-footed shot past the helpless Courtois.
The Dutchman claimed a unique landmark with his superb finish, perOptaJohan:
1 – Luuk de Jong is the first Dutch player to score a La Liga goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu since Patrick Kluivert in 2004. Stage.
Zinedine Zidane's men took no time to answer, and it was soon 2-1 after excellent work from Lucas Vazquez. The winger's cross was perfectly executed, and Casemiro scored his second with an unmarked header.
It was a moment of poor defending bySevilla, who were convincingly punished by the hosts.
La Liga highlighted a special moment for Real'smatchdayhero:
Casemiro nearly completed his first-ever hat-trick, but he dragged his shot wide.
AlthoughSevillacontinued to search for a way forward, they couldn't find a second equaliser.
Real's victory means they are now 17 games unbeaten in all competitions and have gone three points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga, but the champions can close the gap on Sunday when they host Granada.
What's Next
Both teams are back in top-flight action next weekend. Sevilla host Granada on January 25, and Madrid travel to Real Valladolid on the following day.
Report: Raul Bravo Accused of Hiring Hitman in Attempt on Darko Kovacevic
Jan 18, 2020
PIRAEUS, GREECE - NOVEMBER 29: Raul Bravo of Olympiacos F.C. during the Super League match between Olympiacos F.C. and Panathinaikos FC held on November 29, 2009 at the Karaiskakis Stadium, in Piraeus, Greece. (Photo by Louisa Gouliamaki/EuroFootball/Getty Images)
Former Real Madrid full-back Raul Bravo has reportedly been accused of hiring a hitman to make an attempt on his former team-mate Darko Kovacevic.
Spanish football writer Colin Millar reported the news:
Christ. Former Spain international full-back Raúl Bravo - once of Real Madrid, Leeds United - suspected of hiring a hitman to murder former Olympiakos teammate Darko Kovačević. Bravo has previously been arrested on suspicion of corruption and money laundering. https://t.co/DQZVXFE8bY
According to Serbian outlet Telegraf (h/t Marca), Bravo allegedly masterminded the attempt on Kovacevic, whom he played with at Olympiacos.
Per Ta Nea (h/t Football Espana) in early January, Kovacevic was ambushed near his home in Athens by two men. None of the bullets hit, but the 46-year-old injured himself while trying to avoid the gunfire.
BELGRADE, SERBIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Darko Kovacevic sports director of Serbia Football Federation looks on prior to the the UEFA Nations League C group four match between Serbia and Romania at stadium Partizan on September 10, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Phot
Greek police reportedly found a burnt-out vehicle that may have been used in the attack, per Ta Nea.
In May, Servimedia (h/t Marca) reported Bravo was among those arrested in a match-fixing scandal and was allegedly the ringleader. Shortly after, El Mundo (h/t Marca) reported he was involved in an attempt to threaten Huesca president Agustin Lasaosa over €100,000.
The 38-year-old won two La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and also spent time with Leeds United.
Reinier Signing Illustrates Real Madrid's Determination to Get the 'Next Neymar'
Jan 17, 2020
Rodrygo (L), Reinier (C) and Vinicius Junior (R)
Lisbon airport receives around 55,000 passengers per day. Back in mid-August, all eyes were on a three-man delegation coming from Sao Paulo to meet Italian striker Mario Balotelli's entourage to try to persuade him to join Brazilian giants Flamengo instead of hometown club Brescia.
The flight was scheduled to land at 2:30 p.m. local time, but then half an hour earlier, touching down from Paris, a man wearing sunglasses and a red polo shirt popped up at the arrival gate eating some chips.
He headed straight to the second floor, where a cab was waiting for him outside.
It was Giuliano Bertolucci, Brazil's most powerful football agent and go-to guy for every talent wanting a big transfer.
Later that same afternoon, Bertolucci was spotted sharing a table with Flamengo officials in the lobby of a hotel in Lisbon's famed Avenida da Liberdade, also known as the Portuguese version of the Champs-Elysees in Paris. He stayed there for the night but had to pack his things once again in the morning to go to Barcelona to seal Philippe Coutinho's loan move to Bayern Munich.
Although he maintained their meeting had been accidental, he held talks over the future of one of his brightest gems, Reinier, whose contract with Flamengo was winding down.
Ultimately, they reached an agreement to extend it until 2024 but dropped his buyout clause from €70 million to €30 million, as first reported by GloboEsporte.
Real Madrid had been watching it all unfold and rushed to secure his signature this winter transfer window.
Last weekend, the 17-year-old starlet underwent medical examinations at Brazil's U23 team camp, where he's currently training ahead of the forthcoming South American pre-Olympic qualifying tournament. He will pen a six-and-a-half-year deal with the Spanish side once he turns 18 on January 19.
It's been some season for Reinier: He failed school, admitting to SporTV that he attended just two classes, but he made his senior debut, won the Copa Libertadores and Brasileirao double and had his name chanted at the Maracana.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 10: Reinier of Flamengo celebrates his goal during a match between Flamengo and Bahia as part of Brasileirao Series A 2019 at Maracana Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty I
The midfielder is expected to be unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu as soon as he finishes his international duties in February, initially joining Real Madrid Castilla rather than heading straight into the first team.
It's another Brazilian coup pulled off by Real Madrid.
This time, they've snapped up a teenager who has been touted as the face of the country's Generation 2002 and is compared to former Galactico Kaka. He played a prominent role in Flamengo's memorable campaign in 2019, with six goals and two assists over 15 games.
Reinier has become Real Madrid's latest attempt to unearth the next Neymar.
In the past three years, the Spaniards have splashed out approximately €150 million to acquire some of Brazil's most talked-about youngsters, such as Flamengo's Vinicius Junior, Santos' Rodrygo Goes, Novorizontino's Rodrigo Farofa and Sao Paulo's Augusto Galvan. All of them were recruited before the age of 18.
It has emerged as a key tactic in Real's transfer playbook. Grab the young players before they truly burst on to the scene and avoid paying astronomical fees. It's still a risky and expensive strategy, but Real Madrid have managed to get the cream of the crop from this new breed of Brazilian talent.
In order to reduce the margin of error, they have even hired a scout on the ground, Paulo Henrique Xavier, to follow up-and-coming Brazilian talent more closely.
Paulinho, as he's better known, was part of the coaching staff that helped Brazil win their first-ever football gold medal at the 2016 Olympics and has also worked with Cruzeiro and Manchester United.
TELFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Reinier Jesus Carvalho of Brazil during the U17 International Youth Tournament game between England and Brazil at the New Bucks Head Stadium on October 15, 2018 in Telford, England. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)
It's still too premature to say whether Real Madrid have found the next Neymar among their recent acquisitions, but Guilherme Dalla Dea, Brazil's U17 coach, believes they're on the right track.
"I was fortunate to have worked with most of these boys since an early age, so I can tell you this: Madrid couldn't have done much better. They are the real deal," argues Dalla Dea, who, even without Reinier, helped lead Brazil to the U17 world title in November.
"Paulo [Henrique Xavier] and me are friends; we had previously worked together. He used to call me about Reinier: 'Guilherme, I have to take this kid to Madrid, but everyone there is still holding it up.' Once you see him playing, you can understand why they wanted him so badly.
"Madrid have been very aggressive in their pursuit of these young players and are wasting no time in the transfer market. It's a very clever move from them. If any of them fails to succeed in Madrid, they'll surely find another place where they can show their potential. It's part of the game."
The hype around the young Brazilians has been so big that they've even made Real Madrid abandon a tradition.
The Spanish giants bought whole pages in sports newspapers in 2018 to announce that their official TV channel would broadcast a friendly match between Brazil and Chile's U20 teams.
Until then, they had never shown a fixture that didn't include one of their sides. However, they knew their fanbase would be eager to see Rodrygo and Vinicius in action, so they showed the game. It was a chance for die-hard supporters to get an early glimpse of Real's future.
BRUGGE, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 11: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with Rodrygo of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Club Brugge KV and Real Madrid at Jan Breydel Stadium on Decem
Real's Brazilian obsession highlights how missing out on the signing of Neymar to archrivals Barcelona in 2013 changed their transfer policy.
Madrid president Florentino Perez was particularly frustrated with the episode, promising to never let it happen again.
"Real Madrid have always done very well with Brazilians. We've got the examples of Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo, Robinho, Julio Baptista, Emerson and Marcelo," says Wagner Ribeiro, who once proclaimed himself the most hated football agent in Brazil and described Perez as "his idol."
Ribeiro was Neymar's first representative, and for some time pushed for him to head to Madrid instead of Barcelona.
"They came very close to signing him when he was still 13 and spent 20 days training at the Valdebebas facilities. Back then, Madrid did the right things. It just didn't work out because he was too young," he recalls, explaining that Neymar missed his family and also the everyday rice and beans from home.
"After that, on two other occasions, we had conversations but never completed the deal."
Perez might still dream about Neymar and even push for his move behind the scenes, but he is certainly not willing to pay €200 million or so to make it happen.
FC Barcelona's new player Brazilian Neymar da Silva Santos Junior (R) poses with Barcelona's President Sandro Rosell at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, on June 3, 2013. Santos and Brazil star Neymar signed a five-year contract with Spanish giants Barcelona
He's not the same man who built a reputation for his extravagant spending and refused to trust any player offered to him for a bargain price.
"If he's truly that good, I'll sign him when he costs €50 million," Perez reportedly said of Brazilian-born Portugal international Pepe after hearing about his outstanding form at Maritimo. He eventually listened to his advisers a while later but had to pay Porto €30 million for his services in 2007 when he could have got him for a fraction of that cost from Maritimo three years earlier.
Things have changed at the Bernabeu, though, and one of the reasons is Juni Calafat.
A former football pundit born in Spain who was raised in Brazil, Calafat could be regularly found on popular Spanish football TV show Fiebre Maldini and working on the broadcasts of late-night Brasileirao matches.
Having impressed with his vast knowledge of the game, he was invited to join Real in 2014 as head of recruitment for South American football, and he quickly rose through the club's ranks. He now leads the whole international football department and has become one of Perez's right-hand men.
His name may not ring a bell, but Calafat has been the mastermind behind many signings in recent years.
While Casemiro was probably his biggest success story, he's also largely credited for building the rest of Real's current Brazilian contingent.
The hits have ensured his reputation has remained high despite some underwhelming signing, such as Willian Jose (now at Real Sociedad), Pablo Felipe (Sao Paulo), Lucas Silva (Gremio) and Abner Felipe (Athletico Paranaense), none of whom made a significant impact at the club.
Calafat keeps a low profile, avoids public attention and is usually working quietly behind the scenes. That's how he manages to get the deals done and, at the same time, stay away from the headlines.
"Juni played a crucial role in convincing Rodrigo [Farofa] to go to Real Madrid. We didn't know him, but during a visit that my business partner [Edu Schmidt, former Brazil international] made to Real Betis, he approached him in the stadium to enquire about a potential transfer," agent Neto Genovez recalls.
It's a consensus among football executives that snatching Brazilian wonderkids these days is a much more difficult job than it used to be. And they say it's not Neymar's fault.
Sevilla CEO Jose Maria Cruz explains: "Our sporting director, Monchi, usually tells this anecdote about how we bought Daniel Alves [from Bahia] to illustrate this scenario. Back then, our scouts would run into just five or six others in Brazil. Nowadays, they say, there are like 500 of them.
"It's very complicated because many of these young stars, within just a few games, watch their clubs demanding very high fees for them. It's a Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and others effect.
"It's something that made it very difficult for teams like Sevilla or similar ones to go after them because they already arrive with such a high cost that they bring a lot of pressure with them while they are still maturing."
LIMA, PERU - NOVEMBER 23: Reinier Jesus #19 and Matheus Soares #26 of Flamengo celebrates the victory after winning the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2019 between Flamengo and River Plate at Estadio Monumental on November 23, 2019 in Lima, Per
Despite that, Flamengo's Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus wasn't particularly happy with the Reinier deal. He didn't hold back his criticism of the agreement with Real Madrid in an interviewwith CMTV.
"You can't sell a player like Reinier for €30 million. At this [selling players], Benfica [his former side] are spectacular: They sell players for more than they are actually worth. Flamengo don't know how to price their players on their true value."
Flamengo might have been able to get a higher fee for Reinier if he was a bit flashier, but instead he's a very different kind of player from Vinicius and Rodrygo. A more cerebral midfielder, he's a rare breed that you don't see much of on Brazilian pitches these days.
"He's a footballer who reminds of the No. 10s of the past, a classic midfielder who organises the play very well, can get into the box," says Dalla Dea. He's very complete—he's not the sort of player who will just create chances, but also score them. The way Real Madrid play, I think he can be used like a No. 8, a new Toni Kroos."
Whether Madrid ultimately get "a new Neymar" out of Reinier and Co. remains to be seen, but it would appear Brazil's future relies on the fortunes of the Spanish giants more than ever, and vice versa.
Real Madrid vs. Sevilla FC: Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule and Preview
Jan 17, 2020
Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during a Champions League soccer match Group A between Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Real Madrid will attempt to go clear at the top of La Liga on Saturday when they host Sevilla.
Barcelona play Granada on Sunday, allowing Los Blancos the opportunity of taking the lead in the top flight, if only temporarily.
Real are fresh from their 2020 Spanish Super Cup victory after defeating Atletico Madrid on penalties following a goalless draw in Saudi Arabia last weekend.
Sevilla have been largely consistent this season and sit fourth in the division.
Los Nervionenses arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as underdogs, and a dip in form has been ill-timed ahead of their trip to the capital.
Despite just one win in five in all competitions, their La Liga record continues to impress, with only one defeat in their last 11 league matches.
According to AS, Sevilla will give Madrid a guard of honour after their Super Cup victory, but all eyes will be on manager Julen Lopetegui as he returns to his former club.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 15: Julen Lopetegui of Sevilla FC looks on during the Liga match between Sevilla FC and Villarreal CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on December 15, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images)
Lopetegui was dismissed as Spain coach just before the 2018 FIFA World Cup after it was announced he would join Real at the end of the tournament, but the former Porto boss lasted 138 days before he was sacked by Florentino Perez.
The 53-year-old failed to get to grips with the challenge at the Bernabeu, and a 5-1 defeat at Barca was the final straw.
Lopetegui took the reins at Sevilla last June, and his team have proved to be an uncompromising defensive unit, conceding only 18 goals in their 19 league outings.
However, a trip to Real is always a difficult prospect, especially when Zinedine Zidane has his players singing from the same hymn sheet.
Perez will be delighted with how his club have responded after a difficult 12-month period. Zidane began his second spell in charge in March 2019, and the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era has been tough.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 12: Real Madrid squad celebrates after winning Atletico de Madrid during the Supercopa de Espana Final match between Real Madrid and Club Atletico de Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City on January 12, 2020 in Jeddah, Saudi A
However, Real are title challengers once again after finishing 19 points behind champions Barca last term. Los Blancos lost 12 of their 38 league games across the season and ended third—an unacceptable performance for the Spanish giants.
Karim Benzema has proved to be reliable in Zidane's attack, with big-money signing Eden Hazard out due to a microfracture in his ankle.
The Frenchman has returned excellent figures of 16 goals and seven assists in La Liga and Europe this season, and he's helped keep his team in the hunt for trophies.
The player missed the Super Cup success due to a bruised leg, but he could be available against Sevilla after returning to training, according to Amitai Winehouse for MailOnline. Gareth Bale could also return after illness, bolstering Zidane's options.
Real's Super Cup final win was their 16th game without defeat, but they will be wary of Sevilla's ability to earn results ahead of Saturday's intriguing clash.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Clasico Scheduled for March 1 at Santiago Bernabeu
Jan 16, 2020
TOPSHOT - Real Madrid's Brazilian midfielder Casemiro (L) challenges Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez during the
Real Madrid and Barcelona will meet in the second El Clasico of the 2019-20 La Liga season on Sunday, March 1, at the Santiago Bernabeu.
League president Javier Tebas confirmed the date of the headline fixture on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 9 p.m local time (8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET), per Ben Hayward of the Evening Standard.
The first Clasico of the season took place back in December, rescheduled from October, and ended in a surprise 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou:
Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are only five points back from the top two, but Barca and Real are the front-runners for the title this term.
It has been a couple of seasons since Spanish football's two superpowers went head to head for the title over the duration of a campaign.
Barca have won the title in the last two seasons at a canter. But when Zinedine Zidane led Real to the title in 2016-17, they edged out Barca by just three points.
The race looks set to be similarly tight in 2019-20, and it could well come down to who wins the second Clasico of the campaign.
In that respect, Real would appear to have the edge given they will be at home.
However, the Madrid giants' recent record against Barca is poor. Even at home, Real have lost four of their last five fixtures against the Blaugrana.
Barcelona recently introduced a new narrative into the title race by sacking their manager, Ernesto Valverde, and replacing him with Quique Setien.
The 61-year-old's first match in charge will be Sunday's home La Liga clash against Granada, while Real host Sevilla on Saturday.
![Real Madrid's Welsh forward Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Copa del Rey (King's Cup) football match between Unionistas de Salamanca CF and Real Madrid CF at Las Pistas del Helmantico stadium in Salamanca, on January 22, 2020. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by JAVIER SORIANO has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Salamanca] instead of [Ibiza town]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disp](https://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/848/700/hi-res-447123798f402d4f24aa3c1ae42b5bb0_crop_north.jpg?1579729221&w=630&h=420)
