After a lengthy absence, Real Madrid is set to return to the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, ready to face Celta de Vigo. The Merengues have endured over a month of forced exile, navigating through six challenging away matches across Europe and Spain. This homecoming comes at a pivotal moment in their season. Following a tumultuous November filled with uncertainties, the team appears to have embraced a renewed sense of momentum after their impressive 3-0 victory at San Mamés earlier this week. This win has galvanized the squad around coach Xabi Alonso, silencing critics who anticipated discord within the locker room.
Tonight, Real Madrid’s mission is clear: reclaim their stronghold at home, where they remain unbeaten across all competitions this season. They face a struggling Celta de Vigo side that has suffered three defeats in their last four outings, presenting an ideal opportunity for the Merengues to bolster their La Liga standing and apply pressure on the league leaders.
Defensive Adjustments Amidst Injury Challenges
The euphoric vibes from Bilbao have been tempered by the physical toll of a grueling season. This week brought disappointing news for Madrid’s right flank: Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had been regaining form, is sidelined for two months due to a muscle injury. With Dani Carvajal also out for an extended period, Alonso has had to make tactical sacrifices. Raúl Asencio steps into the right-back position once more, having filled in admirably during the match against Athletic Club. Although not his preferred role, Asencio’s versatility is crucial for maintaining balance within the squad.
In central defense, squad management takes precedence as they gear up for upcoming European clashes. Antonio Rüdiger, having returned from injury and played two demanding matches, will rest on the bench tonight to recuperate before facing Manchester City. Alvaro Carreras will team up with Éder Militão and Fran García to form the defensive line in front of Thibaut Courtois.
Tactical Lineup and Key Players
The midfield setup remains largely intact, with Aurélien Tchouaméni continuing as the defensive anchor alongside captain Federico Valverde. However, Eduardo Camavinga’s ankle injury opens the door for Arda Güler to take on a more prominent role in orchestrating play. Güler’s creativity will be instrumental in supporting Jude Bellingham, who has been in scintillating form lately.
Up front, the star-studded duo of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. will lead the attack against Celta de Vigo’s defense. Vinícius Jr., in particular, is eager to break his goal drought since scoring twice against Villarreal on October 4th; he aims to make an impact in front of home fans tonight.
The official lineup for Real Madrid against Celta de Vigo is as follows: Courtois; Asencio, Militão, Carreras, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Güler, Bellingham; Mbappé, Vinícius Jr. With Carreras shifting to center-back and Asencio taking over right-back duties alongside Güler in midfield, Alonso’s choices reflect both necessity and strategy.
What are your thoughts on Xabi Alonso’s selections? Will these tactical adjustments pay off as Real Madrid seeks to maintain its unbeaten home record this season?
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