Real Madrid’s South America legion lead Los Blancos to another Champions League final
2024-05-08- Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Federico Valverde could appear in the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™
- Defender Éder Militão is returning from injury and is also expected to be called up for the tournament in the United States
Real Madrid achieved another heroic qualification to the Champions League final by beating Bayern Munich. At the forefront of Madrid’s team are a contingent of players from South America who should participate in CONMEBOL Copa América USA 2024™ for their respective national teams.
Striker Rodrygo has earned his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s team and is also one of the big names in the Brazilian National Team. The former Santos player failed to score during both legs against the Bavarians but proved decisive in the first leg in Germany when he was fouled late in the game in the penalty area, which led to the goal that determined the 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena. He has five goals and two assists in the European tournament.
Alongside him is his fellow countryman Vinícius Júnior, the player who scored the equalizer against Bayern in the first 90 minutes. Vinícius Junior actually scored both goals in the first leg, and looked dangerous throughout the second leg as Madrid frantically searched for another equalizer when Bayern scored late. His play in the 87th minute allowed Joselu to take advantage of the rebound and start their historic comeback. He has been directly involved in nine goals for Los Blancos this season, with five goals and four assists.
Another of the Spanish-speaking South Americans, Federico Valverde is increasingly establishing himself as one of the best players for Madrid. The Uruguayan scored a beautiful and crucial goal against Manchester City last season, drawing a game that seemed lost in the Spanish capital. He is equally capable of contributing defensively and offensively, and could be one of the most exciting names to watch in CONMEBOL Copa America™ should he be called up by Marcelo Bielsa.
Brazil’s Éder Militão could also appear in the Champions League final and, perhaps, the tournament in the United States. It’s been a season of improvement for the 26-year-old defender, who has missed most of his club matches this year through injury and is just now coming back. Experienced and proven at a high level, you won’t be surprised if he’s on Dorival Junior’s roster to play in soccer’s oldest national team tournament.
Real Madrid’s opponents are Borussia Dortmund, who beat Paris Saint-Germain in the other semi-final. June 1 will be a great match for any soccer fan, and also to follow the South Americans who can shine in the United States next month.