Real Madrid faces Valladolid as Eden Hazard makes a surprising return
Can a player showing evident physical neglect still contribute at the highest level? The answer appeared to be yes, as Eden Hazard wore extra weight into Sunday’s clash and returned for Real Madrid against Valladolid. Palm Sunday brought a notable development for the team: Hazard’s unexpected reappearance in the white jersey.
The Belgian ace, who hadn’t featured in the Cup since January 3 in Cáceres, was again on the cusp of a long-awaited return and had to wait until September 11, 2022 to be spared from league duties. Real Madrid were set to face Mallorca on matchday five, with Hazard stepping in to replace Karim Benzema. Benzema’s form that night was electric, scoring a hat-trick in seven minutes and delivering a performance that underscored his influence. The French forward has reached milestones in the league that Hazard has yet to match since joining Madrid four seasons ago.
Real Madrid pushes Valladolid to the limit as the game unfolds
The result at halftime gave Real Madrid confidence, and coach Carlo Ancelotti rotated his squad, giving playing time to Hazard, Vallejo, and Odriozola, who had not been regular starters. In the 64th minute, Hazard entered the field amid a chorus of whistles that captured the frustration surrounding his long absence from the Bernabéu. After more than 200 days away, he returned to the pitch and, for a moment, seemed to reclaim his place among Madrid’s ranks.
Commentary from the coach and the locker room
When asked about the whistles, Ancelotti responded with a calm, measured tone, praising Hazard for his work ethic during the recent spell of minutes and noting that the player performed well and contributed with assists. The message hinted that discipline and continued effort could unlock further opportunities. The locker room echoed similar sentiments, with teammates offering support and acknowledgment for Hazard’s contribution. Alaba stressed the importance of staying focused, while Lucas Vazquez expressed gratitude for Hazard’s assist, highlighting the sense of solidarity within the group.
Hazard has not registered an assist in La Liga since August 14, 2021. He remains under contract through June 2024, and talks around his future continue in Madrid. His current salary stands at a substantial figure, shaping the club’s approach to any potential move. Despite interest from elsewhere, Madrid has not accepted offers for the Belgian, indicating a firm stance on retaining him while evaluating his role moving forward. The team’s decision reflects a broader reality in European football: big contracts, even for gifted players, complicate potential transfers.
Locker-room dynamics and expectations for the future
Hazard’s return had been anticipated by supporters who hoped to see the player regain his rhythm. In the cabin and in corridors, there was talk of trust and the need for consistent, high-intensity training to meet the demands of top-flight football. On the field, Hazard’s talent is undeniable, but questions remain about his physical preparation and how it translates into regular minutes and impact. The balance between potential and performance continues to shape conversations around his place in the squad.
Interest in Hazard’s trajectory extended beyond Madrid, with some voices in European football noting his profile and potential fit elsewhere. A fellow Belgian forward, Loïs Openda, who has been making waves with Lens in Ligue 1, publicly suggested that Hazard would be a valuable signing for Lens. The surrounding chatter highlighted the weight of expectations placed on Hazard and the challenge of aligning past success with present form. However, within Real Madrid, optimism about Hazard’s process—and patience for his development—remains a guiding factor as the club navigates the next phases of the season. [Source attribution]