Real Madrid star played Atlético clash at ’60-70% fitness’ | OneFootball

A leading member of the midfield ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid played his part in the club’s most recent clash whilst some way short of full fitness.

That’s according to Blancos insider Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, who points towards Federico Valverde as the player in question.

Valverde, for his part, was of course in from the off once more on Tuesday night.

En route to a hard-fought victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s troops in a Champions League showdown with city neighbours Atlético, the Uruguayan filled in at right-back once more.

And to say that Valverde performed admirably would be putting it lightly.

The 26-year-old was nothing short of superb in all aspects of the game, laying on the assist for Rodrygo’s opener, before coming up with a series of crucial blocks and challenges at the other end.

And all this, as alluded to above, with Valverde having been lacking in match fitness.

As per a report from Mario Cortegana:

‘On Monday, the club said that Fede Valverde was at 65%. This morning, those close to the Uruguayan said that he played (versus Atlético) between 60 and 70%.’

Conor Laird – GSFN