"Time to prove the haters wrong", "Why's he starting" - Real Madrid fans provide mixed reactions as star returns to XI for Athletic Club clash
Real Madrid fans have had mixed reactions to midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni's return to Los Blancos' starting XI for their LaLiga clash against Athletic Club. The two teams will face each other on Wednesday, December 4, at San Mamés.
Aurélien Tchouaméni sustained an ankle sprain in Real Madrid's clash against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League clash on November 5. The 24-year-old has been out since, missing four matches for the Spanish giants. The Frenchman's return to the pitch is a boost for Carlo Ancelotti, who has several players missing due to injuries.
Fans flooded social media with posts sharing their opinions on Aurélien Tchouaméni's inclusion in Real Madrid's starting line-up against Athletic Club. While some fans were excited about the Frenchman's return, some lacked confidence in him. Here are some of the reactions from X:
"Tchouameni, it’s time to prove the haters wrong," a fan wrote.
Another added:
"Why’s Tchouameni starting ffs?"
"Tchaumeni is back," chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"Tchouameni comeback please perform"
Another tweeted:
"What is Tchouameni doing dere"
"Starting Tchouameni I think is because of set piece but he is just coming back from injury Carlo," posted another.
One user wrote:
"Tchouameni is very sluggish, i hope his sluggishness does not cost us tonight."
While another wrote:
"Ancelotti always sets players up for ridicule, starting Tchouaméni, who has just returned from injury"
Prior to the injury in November, Aurélien Tchouaméni made 15 appearances for Real Madrid and is yet to register a goal contribution this season. Since his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu from Monaco in 2022, the French star has registered three goals and five assists in 103 matches across competitions for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claims young academy star Raúl Asencio has 'surprised' him this season
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated that he has been impressed with academy graduate Raúl Asencio's performances this season. The 21-year-old made his debut for the Spanish club's first team in November. He came on as a substitute for Éder Militão, who suffered a cruciate ligament tear in their LaLiga clash against CA Osasuna.
Raúl Asencio also put in an impressive display in Los Blancos' 2-0 win against Getafe in their last LaLiga fixture on December 1. Speaking about the Spanish defender, Carlo Ancelotti said (via @MadridXtra on X):
"If Raúl Asencio surprised me? Yes, he surprised me, his maturity, he's never worried, always very sure of himself. He's completely part of our team now, and he totally deserves it."
Raúl Asencio has contributed to three clean sheets and provided one assist in four appearances across competitions for Los Blancos so far this season.
