Álvaro Rodríguez in Real Madrid’s Champions League squad to face Liverpool

Álvaro Rodríguez’s week has gotten get even better as Real Madrid prepare to face Liverpool in the Champions League. The striker started for Real Madrid Castilla on Sunday just hours after his impressive debut with Los Blancos in LaLiga, where he provided an assist for Marco Asensio at El Sadar, and he has now been named in Madrid’s squad for Tuesday’s clash.

“We agreed that Álvaro would only play 60 minutes because he has a chance of going to Anfield,” Raúl said at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium after his side’s victory.

After the 2-0 win over Osasuna, Carlo Ancelotti said he was going to discuss the situation with Raúl, who also discussed his relationship with Ancelotti. “I am grateful to Carlo, the communication is daily,” explained Raúl.

“The next steps for Álvaro depend on many circumstances, they (Ancelotti and his staff) have all the information, our mission is to take care of them and assist them in every step.”

“Álvaro played in Pamplona and was decisive”

Raúl went on to cite the example of Sergio Arribas. “Alvaro played in Pamplona and was decisive. Arribas went to the Club World Cup and scored in one minute. It’s a great joy for us”.

When asked about Rodríguez, the Castilla coach added: “There is little to say to him, he has to enjoy all of this because soon he will be back at Castilla... or not, if he makes the most of these moments. If he takes advantage of these moments Carlo could keep him, of course”.

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Mario Martín makes the squad

Midfielder Mario Martín, 18, will also travel to Liverpool with the squad. His first-team debut was in the Copa del Rey quarter-final derby against Atlético Madrid and he was also in the squad that beat Osasuna at the weekend, although he didn’t feature.

Against Linares, he was once again one of the outstanding players for Castilla until he came off early in a pre-arranged substitution.