Real Madrid will move to the top of La Liga on Friday if they beat Valencia.
The reigning champions return from their winter break with a trip to Mestalla, looking to heap more misery on struggling Valencia. Madrid have been alarmingly inconsistent on the road this term, but hope a fortnight off will help them find greater stability on their travels.
Defensive injuries continue to disrupt Carlo Ancelotti’s squad selections and it remains to be seen whether or not problems at the back will be addressed in the January market. However, what Madrid lack in defensive bodies they make up for with a wealth of attacking options, including their preferred forward trio of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe.
Here’s how Madrid could line up for his first game of 2025.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian has conceded seven goals in his last four outings as he is increasingly exposed due to injuries. However, Valencia are averaging less than a goal per game in La Liga this term, meaning Courtois will fancy his chances of a seventh La Liga goal this season.
RB: Lucas Vázquez – Madrid are pushing to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in January as they are short on the right side. Vazquez is their only senior option at the moment and hardly cuts a dominant figure.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – David Alaba is expected to make his long-awaited return in mid-January but Tchouameni are likely to keep their place in the bottom four for now. The midfielder has often substituted as a center back for the Whites.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – A model of consistency for the reigning European champions, Rudiger needed the winter break more than any other Madrid player. He has featured in all of his team’s games this season and will start again on Friday.
LB: Fran Garcia – Ferland Mendy’s disappointing form has opened the door for Garcia. The 25-year-old has started three of the last four games and is set to continue at left-back for Madrid’s first game of the calendar year.
CM: Federico Valverde – Valverde has scored two in his last three appearances and will be tasked with energizing the midfield against Valencia. He has also taken part in all the Whites’ games this term.
CM: Edward Camavinga – With Tchouameni dropping to defence, Camavinga will be the deepest midfielder in the engine room. The Frenchman’s minutes have been limited this season, but he impressed against Sevilla last time out.
CM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham’s early season woes have been firmly ironed out over the past two months. He has seven goals and five assists for club and country since the start of November.
RW: Rodrygo – The Brazilian remains an underappreciated force for Madrid, with three goals in his last three games. He will be eager to punish a struggling Valencia defense on Friday night.
ST: Kylian Mbappe РMbappe endured a rough start to his career at the Santiago Bernab̩u but has come on in recent weeks. Five goals in his last six games have taken his tally to ten minutes The League this term
LW: Vinicius Junior – Madrid did not lose the winger to Sevilla, having made four, but will be very relieved to welcome him back from suspension on Friday. He has scored eight in 11 games for Valencia previously.
