English star Jude Bellingham, a Real Madrid player, suffered an injury hours before the anticipated match against Olympiacos.
Real Madrid will be guests of Olympiacos on Wednesday evening in the Greek capital Athens, as part of the fifth round of the Champions League group stage.
According to the Spanish newspaper “Marca”, “Bellingham’s” participation in the match is doubtful.
The report stated that “Bellingham” is suffering from a calf strain, which raises doubts about his ability to start against Olympiacos.
The newspaper pointed out that coach “Xabi Alonso” does not intend to risk “Bellingham” from the start to avoid aggravating the injury.
“Bellingham” is expected to start the match on the bench, to be involved according to the course of the match and his condition.
A Risky Encounter
Real Madrid faces a difficult challenge against Olympiacos, especially in light of the difficult period the team is going through this season, as it has not achieved any victory in the last 3 matches, which raised questions about its readiness locally and continentally.
The Royal team has not achieved victory in either the league or the Champions League since its big 4-0 win over Valencia in La Liga at the beginning of November, then lost in “Anfield” against Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League, and drew goallessly with Rayo Vallecano, before drawing 2-2 with Elche after the international break.
Negative Historical Record in Athens
Statistics show that the trip to Athens does not bode well for the Madridians, as the team has not achieved any victory in the Greek capital in its history, after 7 official matches against Panathinaikos, AEK and Olympiacos, which ended in 5 draws and two defeats.
As for Olympiacos specifically, Real Madrid has played 4 matches in Athens, which ended in 3 draws and one defeat, without achieving any victory, and the last meeting was in the group stage of the Champions League 2007-2008 season and ended in a goalless draw.
Real Madrid is ninth in the Champions League standings with 9 points, while Olympiacos is thirty-second with two points.
In the Spanish League, the Royal team leads La Liga with 32 points, one point ahead of runner-up Barcelona.
“Xabi Alonso” needs to find a balance between attack and defense, especially in light of Olympiacos’ desire to exploit any defensive weakness.
In addition, the Athens match will be a real test of the players’ spirit and tactical skills, and may determine the team’s fate in the European championship, making it a crucial match by all measures.
Alonso’s Statements
Following the 2-2 draw with Elche, “Xabi Alonso” stated: “After a good series of results, there came a period in which we did not achieve what we wanted. We know what we are looking for and we must move forward without hesitation. We are not satisfied, as this is a club that only accepts victory, but the road is still long.”
The coach added in response to criticism about the team’s performance: “The team has not collapsed. We are continuing to compete, and we realize that every match is played in a different context. Yes, results govern, but the spirit shown by the players is positive. At Real Madrid, we coexist with pressure and criticism and we know how to respond to it.”
“Alonso” emphasized the harmony within the team, saying: “Communication is improving day by day. We have spent more time together, and our knowledge of each other has increased. We experience everything as one unit, we celebrate victories and we suffer when we stumble. We must turn this feeling into a strong push before facing Olympiacos.”
Alternative Options
“Alonso” defended playing “Fran Garcia” in a less accustomed position (left midfielder): “This position is not new to him. We wanted more width on the wings and try to change the shape of the game. Unfortunately, immediately after the equalizer we conceded a goal that changed the rhythm, even though the moment was in our favor to return to the result.”
About “Vinicius Junior”, who sat on the bench again, he said: “I am not worried. I have spoken with “Vinicius” a lot and he knows his role well. We have previously applied this approach in other matches. All the players have the desire and energy to restore the positive pace.”
“Alonso” pointed out the most important thing that concerned him during the match: “After the 1-1 draw, we lacked the required continuity to complete the pressure. In the first half, the team was preparing for the offensive build-up well. The players did not give up, but we lacked the momentum at the decisive moment.”
Surprising Move
In a surprising move, Spanish coach “Xabi Alonso” ended all rumors about his position at Real Madrid, confirming that President “Florentino Perez” stands behind him and fully supports him.
The Spanish coach explained that the time has come for the players to restore things to normal within the team.
According to the Spanish newspaper “AS”, “Alonso” admitted to the conversation he had with “Perez”, in an unusual gesture for him, as he does not usually tend to talk publicly about what is going on around him or around the team.
These statements are loaded with motives, most notably the official announcement of the support he received from the Real Madrid president, after there were doubts about this support, and now the matter has become clear and public.
The Real Madrid administration believed that this was the right time to put an end to the rumors and to clarify the matter to everyone, starting with the players themselves, that the authority of the team is now in the hands of “Alonso”, and that he is the coach responsible for leading the group permanently.
The Spanish newspaper explained that the Real Madrid administration believed that the best way to make this public, according to their assessment, was through the coach’s statement himself at the press conference.
It stated that the dressing room at Real Madrid is already aware that the club, led by the president, supports the coach’s decisions, and now “Alonso” has the responsibility to end everything that is said about the team, the players’ behavior, and the way they deal with matches.
The newspaper “AS” reported that the first official and public warning has already been directed to the Real Madrid players.
The Spanish newspaper indicated that the players now have the responsibility to prove that things are returning to normal, and that the team is able to compete in the manner imposed by the Real Madrid logo.
The newspaper concluded: “A year ago, Italian coach “Carlo Ancelotti” tried to turn the tables, but he failed to do so, and now it is “Xabi Alonso’s” turn to lead the team towards discipline and the required results.”
