Starting against Girona (1-1) in La Liga on Friday, Eduardo Camavinga was due to prepare for his likely starting role as a defensive midfielder against Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the Champions League. But the French midfielder failed to impress. Quite the opposite…
This is the other consequence of Michael Olise’s masterclass in Madrid. During Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg, which Bayern Munich won 2-1, the Bayern winger provoked a yellow card for Aurélien Tchouaméni.
A dreaded caution, as it means he will be suspended for Wednesday’s return leg in Germany. Given the defensive midfielder’s form, this is a major blow for Real and their manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Camavinga, the only solution
The manager knows he has no equally reliable alternative in front of the defence. And Friday’s test only served to confirm this. At the Allianz Arena, it is likely to be Eduardo Camavinga who replaces Tchouaméni. The Madrid coach is keen to keep Federico Valverde on the right flank, whilst Arda Güler and the young Thiago Pitarch do not fit the defensive midfield role. Alongside a Jude Bellingham who tends to drift into the opposition’s half, the former Rennes player therefore started the La Liga match against Girona (1-1) to prepare for the clash in Munich.
“I wanted to see Eduardo in that position,” explained Arbeloa, justifying Tchouaméni’s omission from the starting line-up. “Eduardo has already played there against Villarreal. He feels comfortable as a number 6; that’s where he performs best. It was important to see him in that position and for him to understand what I expect of him.” Unfortunately for him, Camavinga failed the test. Having already been at fault for Mallorca’s opening goal (1-2) last weekend, the usual midfielder was too slow to press the goalscorer, Thomas Lemar, at the edge of the box. It’s starting to add up for the Madrid fans, who booed him off when he was substituted in the 79th minute. And the local press isn’t being any kinder.
The press isn’t holding back
For the daily newspaper AS, “Camavinga is causing chaos around him”. It must be said that Arbeloa didn’t really defend his player. “He’s always been very mobile. But in this position, he might need to position himself differently,” admitted the Spaniard, aware that his midfielder will have no room for error in Munich. If he starts, Camavinga will be under pressure. The Merengue has inevitably heard the rumours about his departure, as well as reports of the management’s frustration with his performances. The French international has a lot riding on Wednesday’s match, as his place in the 2026 World Cup squad is by no means guaranteed.
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