Having added Kylian Mbappe to their exceptionally talented squad ahead of the 2024/25 season, many expected Real Madrid to be unbeatable this season. However, this has not been quite the case.
Wednesday brought Madrid’s first defeat of the campaign how Lille shocked them in the league phase of the Champions League. Although they are unbeaten in La Liga, last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid means they have won just five of their opening eight games.
By anyone else’s standards, it would still be a pretty impressive start to 2024/25. But this is Real Madrid. The kings of kings
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have one last chance to secure victory before the international break in October, when they host Villarreal on Saturday, who overcame the goal. The Yellow Submarine are currently third in the table and Madrid will have to conquer them with some important players absent.
Here’s how Madrid they could line up this weekend.
GK: Andriy Lunin – With Thibaut Courtois once again on the treatment table, his replacement Lunin will have to fill the void. The Ukrainian made a fine save against Lille in midweek and showed his ability to replicate Courtois’ heroics last season.
RB: Dani Carvajal – The veteran was undoubtedly his team’s best player in France and the club captain will have to wake up the troops against a fiery Villarreal. He will be in charge of managing Alex Baena, who has one goal and four assists in his last four outings.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – With Eder Militao a major doubt after picking up a thigh injury against Lille, Tchouameni is likely to take his place in central defense this weekend. The defensive midfielder has become too used to playing in the backline over the past year.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – The stalwart of Madrid’s injury-prone backline, Rudiger leads the way in blocks and clearances by 90 inches. The League among his peers. The importance of the German for the Whites cannot be overstated.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Having limped off at half-time against Lille, Mendy will be hoping to see out Saturday’s away game. That shouldn’t be a problem, with Fran Garcia still far from seriously challenging his starting spot.
CM: Federico Valverde – Operating on the right of a 4-4-2 against Lille did not bring out the best in Valverde, who has made a fairly excellent and usually consistent start to the campaign. Returning to a midfield three should increase his performance level.
CM: Edward Camavinga – With compatriot Tchouameni slumping in the back four, Camavinga will anchor Madrid’s midfield against Villarreal. He might be a little rusty given that Wednesday was his first appearance of the season.
CM: Jude Bellingham – When you make such a fast start to your debut campaign, expectations are naturally high for your second season. Bellingham has shown promise when fit but has yet to hit his peak and is still without a goal this term.
RW: Rodrygo – Rodrygo missed the midweek defeat with a slight injury and should return to the starting XI on Saturday. The Brazilian will be keen to add to his three goals in La Liga this season, although he has managed just one goal in nine previous meetings with Villarreal.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – The French dynamo was not expected to return until after the international break following a hamstring injury, but even his appearance on the bench against Lille could not spark a late comeback. Still, Ancelotti will be relieved to have him back for the weekend.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Three goals and four assists in eight La Liga games isn’t a bad start for Vinicius, but it looks like he’s yet to come through. He was quiet during the week and will be happy to return to his favorite left wing on Saturday.
