Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has taken to social media to release a statement ahead of tomorrow night's crunch Champions League play-off clash with Manchester City.
Los Blancos will be hoping to go through at the Santiago Bernabeu, having won the first leg 3-2 following a late winner from Jude Bellingham.
However, Real have found themselves at the centre of controversy after Bellingham was dismissed in Saturday night's 1-1 LaLiga draw with Osasuna.
The midfielder was given a straight red card for dissent, despite protesting his innocence.
Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has taken to social media to release a statement ahead of tomorrow night's crunch Champions League play-off clash with Manchester City
REUTERS
On Tuesday, ahead of Real's clash with City, Valverde faced the media.
He said he would never tell a team-mate not to protest but also acknowledged the difficulty that officials can face.
The Real star has been targeted by some angry fans as a result, at a time when the Spanish titans are threatening to quit LaLiga.
But Valverde has now taken to social media to clarify his stance on the matter.
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No quiero que me mal interprete nadie, pero sobre todo le quiero aclarar a nuestra afición; si hoy no hable de los arbitrajes que estamos sufriendo es porque ME CONOZCO, y debo centrarme en mañana.
— Fede Valverde (@fedeevalverde) February 18, 2025
Todo el mundo ha visto lo que nos está sucediendo en esta liga, y no lo olvido,…
The Uruguay international wrote on X: "I don't want anyone to misunderstand me, but above all I want to clarify for our fans: if today I don't talk about the refereeing we are suffering it is because I KNOW MYSELF, and I must focus on tomorrow.
"Everyone has seen what is happening to us in this league, and I don't forget it, but now we have to focus on tomorrow, and I will be 100 per cent as I have always been."
City boss Pep Guardiola has given his own team just a one per cent chance of progressing to the next round.
Valverde insists that Real must remain vigilant, however, even if they go into the second leg with a slender advantage.
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Real Madrid lead Man City 3-2 from the first leg after Jude Bellingham's late winner
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"At the moment we are maybe a little bit more relaxed about this situation, but we have to stay focused and we have to stay strong," he said.
"We should try to have a beautiful night. We should try to have a night that is remembered by every Real Madrid supporter.
"We want to be closer to the most beautiful title that exists.
"We all want to win it and we all have to work together - the supporters and the team - we all have to go towards the same direction."
Meanwhile, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has blasted LaLiga referees ahead of the match with City - insisting the club have been 'harmed' by some decisions.
"I already gave my opinion on what happened and is still happening," he stated.
"What's happening is quite surprising and I have nothing else to say.
"We're obviously not happy with it, with what happened against Osasuna, what happened against Atletico.
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham will face Man City on Wednesday night, despite being sent off against Osasuna on Saturday night
REUTERS
"It's been three games where we have been harmed by some decisions that we still don't understand. I don't understand."
City will go into the match on a high, having beaten Newcastle 4-0 on Saturday.
New signing Omar Marmoush netted an impressive hat-trick, with James McAtee also on target for Guardiola's side.
