Rodrigo De Paul has made it clear he has fully recovered from the knock sustained during Atletico Madrid's recent defeat against Getafe. With absolute assurance, he confirmed he will be fit to compete against Real Madrid on March 12, 2025, in the UEFA Champions League.
"I'm very well, it was just a knock and that's it," the midfielder stated during the pre-match press conference, paving the way for his participation at the Estadio Metropolitano. Atletico Madrid is facing the tough task of overcoming a 2-1 deficit from the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
De Paul’s health is not only pivotal for Atletico but also for the Argentina national team, which has upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. He is expected to play against Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 25. "When we face these matches, it's important to enjoy them. To achieve what we want, we have to be all together," he remarked, highlighting the unity necessary for success.
Reflecting on his experience, De Paul shared insights on the nature of football, stating, "When we faced Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, we played very well, but situations tip the scale one way or another. 90 minutes are very long, and we will live many situations. We must be smart to find the goal and also to keep calm.”
This confidence is especially significant following Atletico's disappointing loss to Getafe, where they dropped valuable points. They're aiming to bounce back against Real Madrid and keep their season's aspirations alive. De Paul stressed the importance of such high-stakes matches for team morale and growth.
The former Racing Club player also indicated he is prepared for Atletico's Sunday match against FC Barcelona on March 16, identifying it as another key fixture. Winning against Barcelona would enable Atletico to recover some of the ground ceded after falling to Getafe.
Adding to the intrigue, during Atletico Madrid's Champions League match against Real Madrid, De Paul showed incredible physical commitment, which saw him leave the field with visible signs of pain. He had to exit late in the match, raising alarms for Argentina’s coaching staff just as they look to finalize their squad for the international fixtures.
Following the Champions League match, where Atletico Madrid won 1-0 but was eliminated after losing on penalties, De Paul’s condition remains under close watch. The match extended beyond 90 minutes due to overtime, but Atletico failed to convert their chances, losing the penalty shootout.
De Paul was recently included on Lionel Scaloni's list of key players as Argentina prepares for two significant World Cup qualifying matches. The upcoming double date could shape their path to the World Cup 2026, making his healthy return of utmost importance.
With each passing day leading to these matchups, the anticipation for De Paul's performance is building, with fans and teammates alike eager to see him back on the pitch as the squad aims to secure their place on the world stage.
Rodrigo De Paul’s presence against Real Madrid and the two qualifiers will no doubt be watched closely. His contributions are likely to provide the necessary edge Atletico Madrid needs to turn their fortunes around and secure wins, highlighting the prominent role he plays not only at the club level but also for his country.
For now, all eyes will be on De Paul as he leads Atletico Madrid through one of the most challenging weeks of the season, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the game.