For the second time in the space of a little over a week, Real Madrid will do battle with city rivals Atletico Madrid this Thursday.
The two sides meet in the Copa del Rey last 16, Real travelling to the Wanda Metropolitano for the second time this season. They lost their first visit there 3-1 in La Liga, but got revenge on Atletico in the recent Supercopa de Espnana semi-final, beating their opponents 5-3 after extra-time on their way to winning the competition.
It continued a remarkable recent record for Madrid, the 14-time European champions having won their last seven in all competitions. They will be aiming to extend that record this Thursday by booking their spot in the Copa del Rey quarter-final, but their passage into the next round won’t be straightforward.
With a few long-term absentees to cover for, here is how Real Madrid could line up against Atletico on Thursday.
GK: Andriy Lunin – He may have had to share his spot in the starting lineup with Kepa Arrizabalaga, but Lunin has been impressive this season. Chosen for the Supercopa de Espana final against Barca, he’s likely to get the nod against Atleti.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Lucas Vazquez’s injury means that Carvajal is guaranteed to start against Atletico, with the veteran having netted a goal and provided two assists against Real’s Madrid rivals in the Super Cup.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Scoring in two of his last three games, Rudiger has been a powerful force in Real’s backline, offering great experience and determination.
CB: Nacho Fernandez – With David Alaba and Eder Militao out with ACL injuries, Nacho has been called upon to fill in. The Spaniard is such a consistent performer and someone that Carlo Ancelotti can thoroughly rely on.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Having also found the net a week ago against Atletico, Mendy has been a constant in the Real team this term. His understudy Fran Garcia hasn’t been able to threaten his starting berth.
CM: Federico Valverde – Putting in an impressive display against Atletico in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final, the Uruguayan offers Real some much-needed aggression and tenacity in midfield.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – With Aurelien Tchouameni potentially rested with a slight injury, his compatriot Camavinga will be the obvious replacement in the starting lineup.
CM: Toni Kroos – The German has been a regular as he continues to defy the ageing process. His performance levels have refused to drop this season.
AM: Jude Bellingham – What can you say about this man? A stunning footballer and a must-start when fit.
ST: Rodrygo – Scored in the Super Cup final against Barca, his fifth goal in his last ten games. The Brazilian has looked sharp in a central role, drifting out into wide areas and hurting defences with his pace.
ST: Vinicius Junior – The Brazilian netted an astounding first-half hat-trick against Barca in the Super Cup and will be in the thick of it against Atletico. Vincius’ performances have been terrific this term, with the winger producing 13 goal contributions in 16 appearances.
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