With consistently good performances David Alaba (29) is consolidating his standing at Real Madrid. The Viennese is the first defender since Roberto Carlos over 17 years agoto score from a free-kick for the Royals in the Champions League.
Praise was heaped on Alaba after his first Champions League goal for Real. The Viennese once again underlined his standing with the Blancos with his free-kick goal. In the 3:0 win at Sheriff Tiraspol, however, the left-footer had to leave the pitch early due to a slight knee blister. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes that his key player will be available again for the league match against Sevilla FC on Sunday.
Real have two weeks ahead of them with three top games in the league and the duel for the Champions League group win with Inter Milan on 7 December. The fact that Alaba’s left knee is causing problems comes at an inopportune time. The first diagnosis was a slight sprain. Further tests on Thursday or Friday should clarify whether there is also inflammation. “It doesn’t look that bad “, reassured Ancelotti.
Alba, too, refused to let the joy of his second goal in a Real dress, which also paved the way for a place in the last 16, dampen his spirits. “Special competition, special goal,” the 29-year-old let slip in Spanish via Twitter after the shot deflected off the wall. “Wow, what a beautiful night!”
Alaba gives Real back the “punch” on free kicks
The Spanish press almost gushed over Alaba. “He continues to grow in the team, both in defence and in the hierarchy,” wrote sports daily Marca. Free kicks on the half-right were now firmly reserved for the centre-back, it said. “And Real signed him without paying a transfer fee to Bayern – the theft of the century. “
Alaba is the first Real defender since Roberto Carlos in February 2004 to score a direct free-kick goal in the top flight. With the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo three years ago, Real’s “punch” at free kicks was radically damaged, complained “Marca”. Since then, only Isco has scored in the Champions League, in September 2018, from a free ball outside the sixteen. Alaba – among all his other qualities – should remedy the situation.
