Madrid must win and hope that Atlético don’t take more than one point from Valladolid in order to retain the league title (6pm CEST). Real will face Villarreal in Valdebebas while Atletico will have to travel to face El Fenomeno’s team.
The moment of truth is finally here - Real Madrid will battle it out today on the final matchday of the season for the chance to clinch the league title. The Whites hosts Villarreal at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium (6pm CEST) knowing full well that only a win will do. Madrid will then have to hope that Valladolid can get a result in their home at against Atletico Madrid at the José Zorrilla stadium, where the hosts will be fighting to stay in the division. If the rojiblancos win they will be crowned champions, but if they draw or lose, Zinedine Zidane’s side will lift their 35th league title trophy, providing they beat Villarreal.
Real Madrid will be hoping they can continue their rich vein of form in LaLiga, which has seen the side string together a run of 17 games unbeaten, and will take inspiration from the last season’s final fixture, when the Whites overcame Villarreal in the same situation to pick up their 34th league title.
REAL MADRID CLINCHED THE LEAGUE TITLE AGAINST VILLARREAL LAST SEASON: “We're going to deliver our highest level to try and win LaLiga”, said Zinedine Zidane in the press conference ahead of the crunch match. The French coach may be without Toni Kroos, Lucas Vázquez, Dani Carvajal, Eden Hazard and Ferland Mendy, but the squad has proved on many occasions that it has what it takes to come through the most challenging moments. Zidane has named this squad for what will be the most important match of the season.
Facing Real as Europa League finalists:
Villarreal have already guaranteed a spot in Europe for next season along with Real Sociedad and Betis, but it remains to be seen whether they will finish in fifth, sixth or seventh place in the table. However, the Castellón side’s most important game in the club’s history will take place on Wednesday, when they take on Manchester United in the final of the Europa League.
This match will decide everything but it can never define Real Madrid’s season. No matter the result, no matter if Real achieves this trophy, nothing will decrease the value of what happened this year. 2020-2021 has been an extremely difficult season and for Real to come this far was a great achievement. Unfortunately, media and many fans only appreciate the final result which makes you a champion or not. This season has been much more than that and every real Real Madrid fan and football fan should appreciate how Madrid managed this season.
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane appeared in an online press conference in the build-up to the clash with Villarreal on LaLiga’s last matchday for this season. He looked motivated and not worried and tried to tell his appreciation for the players and the great work they have done from the beginning of this difficult but beautiful year. His analysis of the team’s performance and achievements are nothing less than great motivational words for his men!
Below are Zidane’s words before the last match of this season:
“It's a special day. It's the final game of our LaLiga campaign. We've had our problems but we've made it here and we'll give it everything we've got. We'll leave it all out on the pitch. We know who we're up against, a team that is playing some great football. We're fully focused on doing all we can to take these three points. The most important thing isn't me or anyone else, it's the team, tomorrow's game and what we want to achieve, that's what drives us. That's the truth. We're only thinking about the Villarreal game because with all that's happened this year, we're going to deliver 90 minutes of our best football to try and win the LaLiga title".
Assessment of the season: "In 2017 we won it on the final day. That's what makes football and LaLiga so beautiful. It's been a good season but the key thing is to give it our all and we've done that, both the players and everyone else who works for the team. We'll see if it's going to be a 10 out of 10 or a 9.5. We have faith we'll give it all we've got and take the three points. My players have always given their all. From beginning to end, with the injuries, COVID… I regret little things because I'm very critical of myself and I'm a winner. I hate losing, even if it seems like I'm not bothered by anything at times. I give everything to win and that's the Real Madrid DNA. The players want to win and they have always given it their best, despite the difficulties we've had".
Something about his future: "The important thing is this game. There'll be time to discuss that. All our energy is focused on tomorrow's match because after 37 games, we're not going to waste time talking about what might happen next season. We're excited by the idea of winning LaLiga and we'll give it everything we've got".
He continued: "I'm not tired. I came back here full of energy and I have given it my all. It's a tough job but that's our bread and butter. We have to be on it all the time, but that's what motivates us. We're incredibly fortunate to be at this great club and we should make the most of every moment. After a season like this, the only thing left to do for everyone is to rest up a bit and enjoy ourselves, regardless of what happens. We're excited about the possibility of winning LaLiga and we'll do all we can".
Appreciation for his boys: "I really love my players because they've saved me out on the pitch by giving it absolutely everything in every single game. I'll always be hugely grateful to them and to think they'd like me to stay makes me feel incredibly proud. The fans have always been fantastic with me and I've repaid them by giving everything I have to Real Madrid, which is the best thing that's ever happened to me: playing here and being here for almost 20 years. When people say nice things about you, of course it makes an impact".
About the change since Huesca press conference: "You had criticised me immensely back then. That's part of football and that's it. But I was just asking you to let the team work, we were the reigning champions and these lads deserve the chance to fight to the end. We'll make our judgements at the end of the season. Working together we turned things around and here we are on the final day in LaLiga. We live for this feeling and we're still in it".
Ramos' return and his opinion on Ramos appearance in the Euros: "He'll be with us. He trained normally today. You'll see the line-up". "I'm not the Spain coach. If you ask me, I'd always take Sergio. Whatever happens. He always gives everything he has".
Hazard’s condition: "He's got a knock. It's not much but we don't want to risk him. He didn't train today because something's up. He won't be available tomorrow".
Benzema's return to the France team: "I'm thrilled for him. It was what he wanted and I'm really pleased for him. He's been doing great things on the pitch, I hope the national side take advantage of his game".
Comments