Hazard speaks on Champions League memories

Eden Hazard recently spoke with uefa.com about some of his favorites Champions League memories ahead of Real’s second leg match with Manchester City on Friday. He showed some love to several Real Madrid players, both present and past.

Favorite Champions League goal: “Two years ago, Cristiano against Juventus. In front of my TV, I was like “Wow! What a goal!”. Gareth Bale, also, against Liverpool in the 2018 final. Wow! All of them are really good.”

A goal you wish you could’ve scored: “That’s an easy one for me. Zinedine Zidane, Champions League final against Leverkusen. Left volley, top corner, bye bye.”

Aside from answering some of his favorite European memories, Hazard was also asked about how he feels assisting goals vs. scoring goals and which he prefers to do.

“The feeling is the same when you see the ball in the net. In my mind, I’m not just thinking about scoring goals, scoring goals, scoring goals. Some players now just think about scoring goals. And me? I’m more the kind of player who can create something.”

Hazard will be looked upon in a big way come Friday. Now that he is healthy, he’ll be a very important player for Real Madrid who can hopefully create chances to lead this club in a comeback in Manchester.

His expertise when it comes to European matches like this is invaluable, as is the case with much of this squad. They’re out to prove that there’s still some of that Champions League magic left under Zidane.

Adebayor gives his thoughts on Real Madrid making a comeback against City

Former Real Madrid and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor spoke to AS about the chances he would give to Real Madrid making a comeback in Manchester.

“If you had asked me that question two years ago, I would have said yes. Madrid would have been favorites with Cristiano. Back then, they had Cristiano, who is a goal machine. He can make the difference at any moment and he would give the team 50 goals a season.”

“They lost the first leg at home and it’s going to be very difficult without the fans, against Manchester City, the city, the weather but it’s not impossible.”

“Madrid have players with a lot of experience like Marcelo, Benzema, Courtois and they are used to playing in big games like this one.”

It certainly will be tough for Real to make the needed comeback, but they’ve shown this season that they are a strong side after winning La Liga. No doubt things are different without Ronaldo, but they must move on and look to elite players like Hazard and Benzema.

Not having Sergio Ramos available hurts given how instrumental he has been, but there’s plenty of quality throughout this squad to get the job done.

Adebayor’s interview goes into detail about his brief time in Madrid under Jose Mourinho that is well worth the rest of the read.

Kubo linked with several Spanish clubs for loan opportunity

According to AS, Takefusa Kubo has several suitors in Spain for a loan next season. Among them are Villarreal, Celta, Osasuna and Granada. The report alleges that Villarreal are currently leading the pack and Real favor either them or Granada.

If these rumors are to be believed, moving to a top side like Villarreal would be a significant step for Kubo on loan. After making 35 appearances with Mallorca this season, Kubo would hopefully get ample time with a Europa League side under new manager Unai Emery next season.

The report also states that Bayern Munich are interested, but Real and Kubo have reportedly told them he has no intention of leaving Spain. This area of the article sort of falls apart as a move to Bayern makes absolutely no sense for him as he likely wouldn’t start much.