71st minute of the Champions League quarterfinal second leg. Real Madrid is totally overwhelmed by Chelsea. The VAR has just annulled Marcos Alonso 0-3 when Carlo Ancelotti decides to make a change that could have gotten him into trouble. The Italian took out Toni Kroos -with gestures of disapproval from the German included- to give entrance to Eduardo Camavinga. The feeling was exactly the same as in the round of 16 tie against paris st germain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Camavinga began to multiply in the field thanks to his physical extravagance. He offered himself, took out the ball played and above all recovered balls in compromised areas. The Frenchman, barely 19 years old, played like a veteran who had already been seasoned in a thousand Champions League battles when he is not even remotely like that. In the 80th minute, the player stole Kanté’s bag to launch Modric and for him to give a fantasy assist for Rodrygo’s goal that meant going to extra time in the match.
In the added 30 minutes, Camavinga was once again the protagonist, cutting off a loose pass from Thiago Silva to Kanté to throw Vinicius again. The Brazilian faced and assisted so that Benzema scored the goal that ultimately gave Real Madrid the pass. Then the midfielder was essential in several defensive bilge actions for the Whites to get their tenth spot in the semi-finals in 12 seasons.
After many dismissed him as a ‘patch’ after the failure of Mbappé’s signing last summer, Camavinga is following in Mendy’s footsteps with Marcelo to take Kroos’ job. His physical power together with his great ability to advance the pressure 20 meters allow Real Madrid to do feats as seen against PSG -where he also led the comeback until 1-3- or this Wednesday against a Chelsea that will not forget his name.
Real Madrid can be celebrating because with Camavinga and Valverde he has a midfield for 10 years. French has only just appeared and its potential for growth seems limitless. Real Madrid did not hesitate to fall in love with a player who makes a difference with his stride. After winning three consecutive Champions, the end of the CMK -Casemiro, Modric and Kroos- seems to be more than close. The relief knocks on the door and Camavinga is a cheeky who is not afraid of anything. Not even being decisive in two European nights that will go down in the history of Real Madrid.