Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
After a disappointing start to the 2024/25 La Liga campaign, defending champions Real Madrid will look to secure three points as they take on Real Valladolid on Sunday.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti was extremely disappointed with Real Madrid’s opening-day performance against Mallorca, drawing some harsh self-criticism on his players.
Therefore, one can expect Ancelotti to act extra vigilant when it comes to team selection this weekend.
The Italian had kept an unchanged XI against Mallorca, but we might witness a few changes when the team takes on Valladolid on Sunday.
Potential Real Madrid XI vs Real Valladolid
Defence
Thibaut Courtois remains an undisputed starter in goal for Real Madrid. The Belgian has the complete faith of coach Ancelotti as well as the rest of the technical staff. He will, therefore, continue in between the stocks, hoping to earn his first clean sheet of the campaign.
Moving into defence, Ferland Mendy had picked up a late red card against Mallorca, meaning the Frenchman is not available for this encounter.
Due to his absence at left-back, Ancelotti may have no option but to deploy Fran Garcia, which is likely to be the only change in defence for Real Madrid this weekend.
Dani Carvajal is an undisputed starter at right-back while Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger will continue to form the central defensive partnership.
Midfield
There will be a forced change in midfield as well, with Jude Bellingham potentially out for a month due to his muscle problem.
The Englishman’s injury could be a major blow for Real Madrid, especially during the opening phases of the campaign. Not to mention, Real Madrid also have Eduardo Camavinga unavailable due to injury.
Ancelotti, therefore, must continue with Aurelien Tchouameni in the pivot position, with captain Luka Modric set to come into the team in Bellingham’s absence.
Federico Valverde is set to complete the midfield, though the Uruguayan may operate in a bit wider role, to add more flexibility in the press.
All eyes, though, will be on Dani Ceballos. Despite facing an uncertain future, the Spaniard has received a lot of support from fans and could make an appearance in the second half, especially if Real Madrid require more creativity in the middle of the park.
Attack
Moving into the attack, Ancelotti is unlikely to make a single change despite having some excellent options on the bench.
This game will mark Kylian Mbappe’s debut at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Frenchman, who scored in his professional debut for Madrid against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, will be eyeing his maiden La Liga goal this weekend.
Mbappe will team up with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes in the final third. The dreamy attacking trio did not exactly click very well in the opening game against Mallorca but will be looking to produce better output this time around at the Bernabeu.
