BARCELONA – Rafa Nadal might be renowned for his on-court emotions in the heat of battle but he was overheard by courtside microphones venting his frustration over his soccer club Real Madrid’s disappointing weekend result.
As the Spaniard prepared on a practice court for Sunday’s Barcelona Open final success against Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 20-time Grand Slam champion was frank in his assessment of Real’s stuttering La Liga title defence.
Nadal, a Real fan despite his uncle Miguel Angel making over 200 appearances for arch-rivals Barcelona, was seen speaking to umpire Mohamed Lahyani about his team’s 0-0 home draw with Real Betis on Saturday and was less than impressed with what he saw.
ALSO READ: Barcelona victory sees Rafael Nadal rise to number 2 in ATP rankings
“Hala Madrid, but this year’s not so good, another 0-0 and we’re two points off the top” Lahyani said to Nadal, who shook his head and replied that it was “a disaster, a disaster.
“La Liga’s over,” a despondent Nadal added.
“Madrid need goalscorers, they need a forward,” said the Swedih umpire. “Amongst other things,” said Nadal with a sigh.
Lahyani:Hala Madrid,not this year,no.
Rafa:A disaster, a disaster.
🗣️:0_0,two points we lose again.#Nadal :The league is over.
🗣️:Only Champions.
Rafa:The Champions …!
🗣️:Disaster,need scorers,buy a striker.
Rafa:And more things.
Via:Movistar+#RealMadrid#RafaelNadal
#LaLiga pic.twitter.com/iZ48strrz9— SyrianSky Secret (@SyrianskyS) April 26, 2021
Real’s 0-0 draw with Betis means they sit in second place on 71 points, two behind league leaders Atletico Madrid. Third-placed Barca also have 71 points but with a game in hand.