Manager Carlo Ancelotti faced the media ahead of a Saturday clash with Girona, the league’s new challenger this season, with kickoff at 18:30. Two points separate Real Madrid and the current leaders, and Madrid holds the edge. A win for Míchel’s Girona, who beat Real Madrid once this season at Montilivi, would push them into a top spot discussion for LaLiga supremacy.
A Madrid victory would bring Ancelotti’s men within five points of the top, narrowing the gap as thoughts turn toward a possible title bid. Yet the Italian coach kept expectations measured. Whoever wins tomorrow gains momentum, but LaLiga remains lengthy and unpredictable. The coach added that reaching 80 points early would edge Madrid closer to the championship.
The season has been punctuated by injuries across the Madrid squad. Nacho jumped off the availability list due to long travel schedules coupled with deals involving Alaba and Militao, and a recent bruise on Rüdiger ailed the defense. Still, Ancelotti confirmed Rüdiger and Vinicius would be assessed for the weekend. Rüdiger trained today, and if he feels ready and performs well, he will play; otherwise Madrid will avoid unnecessary risk. Vinicius is reported to be fine after a bruised hip and a cervical strain, with the head coach emphasizing prudent management.
Michel’s absence
Madrid’s rival Girona travels with respect earned from a side that has outperformed most this season. Girona will be without their coach, punished with a red card in the last match against Real Sociedad. In the buildup, the Bernabéu atmosphere included some friction and complaints about officiating. Ancelotti noted that extra pressure could surface at the Bernabéu, though he downplayed the absence of the Girona bench as a decisive factor. He recalled two previous encounters here, one a dominant win by eight goals and another win that clinched LaLiga, underscoring Madrid’s resilience in this arena.
To heighten the mood, a Madrid banner in recent weeks celebrated the club’s nickname, Spanish Leicester, and a banner that reads When a resume isn’t everything has circulated around the city. Asked whether the sign was a direct jab at his squad, Ancelotti kept the humor alive, joking that Girona could afford a place in Madrid because rental costs are high.
If a Catalan player can help Madrid, Miguel Gutierrez, the full-back on loan at Girona, has impressed enough to re-enter Real Madrid’s orbit. Ancelotti praised the progress and noted that the Girona experience has been beneficial for the player. A future decision will be made jointly with Girona and the player during the summer season.
Blue card and Kroos renewal
The week’s notable news included a controversial blue card proposal sweeping football governance. Ancelotti commented that the measure may simplify or complicate refereeing, depending on how rules are implemented. He added that the blue card debate is not settled and will require careful consideration by regulators and clubs alike.
Two recurring topics in Ancelotti’s recent press briefings concern Toni Kroos’ contract status. The coach admitted that the possibility of Kroos stepping away at the end of the season is a sobering thought. Yet he framed the decision as one that must come at the right time and in the best manner, even joking about a mother’s influence on a renewal decision and reminding that players and families should be heard in such moments.
The blue card in football: what it means and when
Questions continue to swirl at the Real Madrid training complex about what the new measure could affect and when it might come into play. The discussions are ongoing as officials weigh the practical impact on refereeing and game flow.
There are two lingering questions that have dominated Ancelotti’s recent briefings. First, the matter of Kroos renewal or departure hangs in the balance, and the coach has shown both concern and respect for the player’s autonomy. He reflected that if Kroos chooses to continue, it will be because it fits his personal plans, while also acknowledging the importance of hearing family input during the decision-making process.
Perhaps the most pertinent topic at Madrid’s training complex relates to the goalkeeper situation. Lunin has appeared in three consecutive matches, though Ancelotti has not offered a final verdict on who will start if Kepa’s injury history previously raised questions. The coach indicated that selecting a substitute remains a challenge, highlighting the depth of options while stressing that performances and readiness will dictate choices in the upcoming fixtures.