After overcoming La Liga high-flyers Girona in some style last weekend, Carlo Anceloti’s Real Madrid had another tough assignment in midweek as they travelled to Scudetto holders Napoli in the Champions League.
However, thanks to a Maradona-esque goal from Jude Bellingham and a rocket from Federico Valverde, the visitors won a superb, back-and-forth contest 3-2 to continue their excellent start to the new season.
Los Blancos are next in action on Saturday afternoon as they host Osasuna in La Liga – the first meeting between the two sides since last season’s Copa del Rey final, which Madrid won.
Here’s the starting XI Ancelotti could deploy for their upcoming bout.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – It’s no secret that Kepa isn’t on Thibaut Courtois’ planet in terms of ability, but the Spaniard is the only logical choice in goal.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Carvajal will get a rest at some point despite the dearth of right-back options, but it won’t be on Saturday.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Rudiger has suddenly emerged as a critical figure for Ancelotti’s side given Eder Militao’s long-term injury and Nacho’s suspension.
CB: David Alaba – Alaba has been out of action since the Las Palmas win with a muscle injury, but there’s hope he’ll be fit to start on Saturday with the Austrian being eased back into training. Ancelotti desperately needs him.
LB: Fran Garcia – We should see some rotation at left-back on Saturday with Garcia getting the nod. His crossing ability could come in handy against this stubborn Osasuna defence.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni – A key performer for Madrid at the start of 2023/24, Tchouameni might be the only midfielder who started in the middle of the park to retain their place this weekend as Ancelotti wisely rotates.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – Deployed at left-back in Madrid’s recent outings, the boss could give Camavinga a chance to impress in a box-to-box role before the international break.
CM: Luka Modric – The veteran midfielder snapped an 11-year appearance streak last weekend, but he may come back into the team on Saturday with Ancelotti rotating his midfield pack. Modric was used off the bench in Naples.
AM: Jude Bellingham – There aren’t enough superlatives in existence to describe Bellingham’s start to life in Spain. A force of nature.
ST: Rodrygo – The Brazilian hasn’t enjoyed a good start to the season, but Rodrygo’s heroics in the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna last season could convince Ancelotti to keep him in the team.
ST: Vinicius Jr – Vinicius’ return is huge for Madrid, especially for games like this when they’ll likely need a source of attacking inspiration and an injection of pace.
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