Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona in La Liga this Saturday as they host Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Los Blancos have fallen to very disappointing defeats in their last two games, following their 4-0 humiliation in The classic with an unfortunate defeat against Milan in the Champions League. They are now nine points behind Barcelona in La Liga and must make up ground lost in their last four league stage games in Europe.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have disappointed badly this term despite the addition of superstar Kylian Mbappe and must stop the rot this weekend. The Madrid manager needs to figure out how to get the best out of the Frenchman while allowing Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior to flourish.
Here’s how Madrid they could be lining up to seek redemption this weekend.
GK: Andriy Lunin – With Thibaut Courtois still sidelined, Lunin retains his place between the posts. The last few games have left him horribly exposed and he’ll be ready to guard against Osasuna.
RB: Lucas Vázquez – Having seen Rafael Leao torture Vázquez in midweek, plans to sign a new right-back in the January transfer window may have to be moved forward. Dani Carvajal’s injury at the end of the season leaves Madrid short on the right side of defence.
CB: Eder Militao – Militao struggled against Alvaro Morata and co on Tuesday evening and often found himself trying to rescue Vázquez. Bryan Zaragoza, in form, will be eager to exploit Madrid on this side of the pitch.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Rudiger was also far from his best against Milanalthough he scored an exceptional goal that was ruled out for offside. He will have to keep the experienced shooter Ante Budimir quiet.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Recent performances have left a lot to be desired, with Bayern Munich likely adding a few million to Alphonso Davies’ price tag with each passing game. Deputy Fran Garcia has not offered enough to usurp the French.
CM: Federico Valverde – Valverde withdrew at half-time against Milan with a back problem but should be available for Ancelotti this weekend. The usually reliable Uruguayan has also suffered in recent weeks.
CM: Edward Camavinga – Camavinga will be recruited to replace him the injured Aurelien Tchouameniwho could be out for a month with an ankle problem. The ease with which Milan played through Madrid’s midfield was alarming, even once Camavinga entered the fray.
CM: Jude Bellingham – Nothing is going right for Bellingham right now as it struggles to replicate its sensational debut season. The Englishman is taking shots away as he desperately searches for his first goal of the campaign.
RW: Rodrygo – Rodrygo returned from injury in midweek but was unable to change the game from the bench. The lively Brazilian will return to the starting line-up as Madrid struggle for creativity in the final third.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Another disappointing midweek display will not have boosted confidence levels, nor will their recent one omission of the French selection for the international break in November. He’s still getting chances with his raw speed, but he’s failing in front of goal.
LW: Vinicius Junior – The Brazilian was Madrid’s biggest threat in midweek but still fell well below his usual standards. It is underwhelmed as a response to be rejected for the Ballon d’Or 2024.
