Matchday 17 of La Liga takes place this Saturday in Vallecas, where Rayo Vallecano will host Real Madrid. Needing a win to claim the top spot in the league for the first time this season, Carlo Ancelotti’s side is set to field the best players available.
Real Madrid will face the 12th-placed team in the league shortly. Currently second in La Liga with 36 points, trailing Barcelona (38 points), Los Blancos have the chance to return to the top of the table with a victory. Despite the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who sustained an injury midweek in the Champions League clash against Atalanta Bergamo, Carlo Ancelotti can rely on key players to get the job done.
The Madrid line-up against Vallecano
Real Madrid will start with a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Thibaut Courtois in goal. At the back, the ever-reliable Antonio Rüdiger partners Aurélien Tchouaméni in central defence. Fran Garcia and Lucas Vazquez complete the defensive quartet as full-backs.
In defence, one bold decision by Ancelotti sees the promising Raúl Asensio remain on the bench despite his recent strong performances. The midfield presents further surprises, as Dani Ceballos, who has been in excellent form recently, is also left out of the starting XI. Instead, Federico Valverde, Arda Güler, Luka Modrić, and Jude Bellingham form the midfield.
A major talking point is the attack, where Brahim Díaz starts in place of Vinícius Júnior, marking a significant rotation decision by Ancelotti. The Brazilian star, recovering from a recent injury, will begin on the bench, while Rodrygo will lead the attack. The Seleção duo aim to find their rhythm before Wednesday’s Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar.
Real Madrid’s Full Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois – Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran Garcia, Lucas Vazquez – Federico Valverde, Luka Modrić, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham – Rodrygo Goes, Brahim Díaz.
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