Real Madrid recorded a very important victory this evening (Sunday), 0:2 over Athletic Bilbao in one of the most difficult fields in Spain, San Mames. The game, like all the Spanish league games, was broadcast live on channel ONE to yes, HOT Cellcom TV and Partner TV subscribers.
The Blancos coach, Carlo Ancelotti Summed up the game: “We weren’t fantastic tonight, but we played well, especially in defense. We didn’t have much time to practice for this game. We analyzed our performances in video conferences and the players got the message. I want to highlight Kambinga’s game. He was spectacular. Vinicius? He is a great actor and person, but the truth is that everyone underestimates him. The opponents, the referees and the fans. We want him to get more respect. Vinicius always gets kicked a lot, everyone teases him for no reason. I love him very much and we want him to be respected.”
Regarding choosing to bench Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, Ancelotti said: “Modric trained very well this week and could have started in the lineup tonight, but I preferred not to risk it. Cross needed some rest. I want the other players to be motivated. Sabaios and Asensio deserved to play. We need all the players to be motivated and focused because we play a game every three days. We need them all. Will Sabaios become a team player? He played very well, but there is no such thing as the team players in Real Madrid.”
Nacho Fernandez, who got a chance in the lineup and was excellent, also summed up the game: “We kept a clean sheet and that is very important. This game motivated us for the derby, we are completely calm and confident for the game against Atletico Madrid. This year has been difficult for me but I’m happy to show that every time I play I do it well. I’m happy when I’m playing, when I’m not playing things look different.”
Eduardo Camabinga He said at the end: “We are very satisfied with the victory, we knew it would be a difficult game, they are a good team. The loss against Villarreal in the previous round? I want us to win every game, but sometimes it doesn’t happen.” Danny Sabaios He added: “I have four months left on my contract and it’s time to fight. I have many games ahead of me to show that I am at the right level to continue playing for Real Madrid. There is no better club than Real Madrid, I have to fight and prove myself.”
Karim Benzema continued his great form and scored his sixth goal in all competitions since the return from the World Cup break with 0:2 against Athletic Bilbao. The striker had only five goals in La Liga when it went into the break of the tournament, now, his balance already stands at nine conquests and he is only four goals away from equaling Robert Lewandowski in first place.
The Frenchman recorded another personal achievement when he scored his 228th goal in the Real Madrid uniform in the Spanish league, overtaking Di Stefano and equaling Raul in second place on the list. Only Cristiano Ronaldo with 311 goals scored more than both of them in the Blancos uniform in the domestic arena. In addition, the striker ranked himself fifth together with Raul in the all-time scorers table in the history of the Spanish league after Leo Messi (473), Ronaldo (311), Zara (253) and Hugo Sanchez (234).
⚽ Benzema’s 228th goal arrived, which means equaling Raúl González as Real Madrid’s second top scorer in the competition, only surpassed by Cristiano
The historical Top5 of LaLiga would look like this:
473 Messi
311 Cristiano
253 Atoms
234 Hugo Sanchez
228 Benzema and Raul pic.twitter.com/y8neGZuhEL— Diario AS (@diarioas) January 22, 2023