Real Madrid’s starting XI for El Clásico against Barcelona

Another Clásico – and once again, it’s all or nothing. This time, the league title hangs in the balance: Barcelona are eyeing a decisive blow, while Real Madrid aim to shake the foundations of the leaders and stage a title coup. The two sides come into the match in vastly different circumstances. Hansi Flick’s men arrive reeling from their Champions League exit and the exhaustion of extra time, while Carlo Ancelotti has had a full week to prepare, undistracted, for the showdown at Montjuïc.

Madrid team almost picks itself

That clear schedule has allowed the Real Madrid manager to work with all his available players – despite six absentees – and field a squad in top condition. As a result, the starting XI is expected to be almost identical, if not exactly the same, as the one that began last Sunday’s match against Celta Vigo. However, in the end, one huge choice was made.

There are no choices left in defense. Thibaut Courtois will be in goal, with Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Asencio and Fran García forming the back line. That’s all Ancelotti has. Asencio even played while sick against Celta until he couldn’t go on. The injury crisis is focused at the back, forcing Ancelotti to use Tchouaméni as a center-back through to the end of the season – or at least until a yellow card says otherwise. The Frenchman is one of four Madrid players at risk of suspension, along with Vázquez, Ceballos and Jude Bellingham.

In midfield, Federico Valverde will once again take on the anchoring role. Arda Güler has earned his starting spot – his first ever in a Clásico, who plays alongside Ceballos, Bellingham and Valverde.

Up front, Madrid’s front two have made a habit of tormenting Barça. Between Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., they’ve netted 15 goals against the Catalans – eight for the Frenchman and seven for the Brazilian.

Predicted Real Madrid XI vs Barcelona: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Tchouaméni, Asencio, Fran García; Valverde, Ceballos; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius, Mbappé.

On the bench: Lunin, Mestre, Jacobo Ramón, Vallejo, Yusi, Rodrygo, Modric, Brahim Díaz, Endrick and Víctor Muñoz will all be ready to step in should Carletto call on them.

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