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
Manchester United sacked Jose Mourinho as manager on Tuesday morning and are expected to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker boss for the remainder of the season. The Premier League giants
Manchester United set to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as
The Public Law titled the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 has charged VA, DOL, and DOD with expanding upon the functions and benefits available to unemployed Veterans, as well as create a more seamless transition for Service members. Congress will request metrics to evaluate the success of the VOW Act.
Sudan Pro-Democracy Groups Vow to Continue Protests After
The Norwegian Town Where the Sun Doesn't Rise I spent a year in Tromsø, Norway, where the "Polar Night" lasts all winter—and where rates of seasonal depression are remarkably low.
Weary feet to blame for England's fall. England's Kyle Walker scoring an own goal during extra time while under pressure from Dutch striker Quincy Promes during their Nations League semi-final
Boy, 6, reportedly in critical condition after falling 15
Yorke was born on 7 October 1968 in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. He was born with a paralysed left eye, and underwent five eye operations by age six. According to Yorke, the last surgery was "botched", giving him a drooping eyelid. His family moved frequently.
The Singapore Slingers will be one of six teams who will contest the 2016 Merlion Cup from the 21st - 25th September 2016 at the OCBC Arena in Singapore. The Merlion Cup basketball tournament is making it's return after a 20 year hiatus, run by the Basketball Association of Singapore this will be the 10th edition of the Merlion Cup.
Merlion Cup 2019 Tickets | Official Ticketek tickets, tour
Mr Mohamad Akbar Bin Abdul Nawas is an experienced local football coach who recently led Indian professional football team Chennai City Football Club to become 1 st-time champion of Hero I-League (Indian top professional football division). Prior to that, he had accumulated head coach experience both locally (e.g. with Tampines Rovers FC) and
Japan national team captain Maya Yoshida warned his young teammates that they will need to handle the pressure that comes with being Asian Cup favorites as the four-time winners prepare to open
Japan come up short in Asian Cup final - gulfnews.com
Barcelona put one hand on La Liga title after edging past Sociedad Barca lead the standings on 77 points after 33 games, comfortably clear of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who won 1-0 at
Barca put one hand on title after edging past Sociedad
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
He established himself as an integral part of the Manchester City squad and was regarded as one of the bargain buys of the revolutionised City era, blossoming into one of the Premier League's best centre-backs. Kompany was included in the Premier League Team of the Year for two years in a row in 2011 and 2012 as well as being included in the
His performance warns Manchester City that Spurs can cope without Harry Kane and Dele Alli Lucas Moura scored a superb hat-trick as Tottenham trounced Huddersfield 4-0 The match came between
Sanchez: Spurs squad can cope without Kane and Alli
"Whenever our captain says something the rest of us follow," said Rakitic at a press conference on Tuesday. "Leo has been a La Liga champion 10 times in 15 years and of course, after seeing him lift the cup (on Saturday) with such happiness, that motivates everyone.
Carragher - Salah is more Ronaldo than Messi, only he can stop De Bruyne winning Player of the Year. Liverpool legend sees similarities between Salah and Real Madrid star Ronaldo, and says the
Should Salah do more than just score goals ESPN FC - YouTube
Football: Improved Denis Suarez ready to make impact, say Unai Emery LONDON • With Granit Xhaka facing a late fitness test and Lucas Torreira suspended, Unai Emery has challenged Denis Suarez to finally make an impact in Arsenal's bid to climb back into the Premier League's top four.
Improved Suarez ready to make impact: Emery
0 comments:
Post a Comment