The Santiago Bernabéu will be electric tonight as Real Madrid hosts FC Barcelona in the season’s first Clasico. With three points behind the Catalan leader, Carlo Ancelotti’s team faces a major challenge: a victory would reignite their title hopes and send a powerful message to their rivals. But with injuries and defensive concerns, Los Blancos will need to play their best. Ancelotti has just answered some of these key questions with his official lineup.
Real Madrid is missing key players for this crucial Clasico. First, Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo Goes will not play, nor will defenders David Alaba and Dani Carvajal. These absences weaken Madrid’s backline, the team’s most vulnerable area.
These absences are more than just details—they’ve affected the team’s defense and added pressure on the attackers, who often rely on a solid backline to fully unleash their potential. Facing Barça, the season’s top-scoring team, Real will need to step up to bridge these gaps. With attackers like Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and young prodigy Lamine Yamal, Los Blancos cannot afford any mistakes.
To compensate for Courtois’ absence, Andriy Lunin retains Ancelotti’s trust and is set to take on a crucial role in this high-stakes encounter. The Ukrainian goalkeeper will be called upon for key saves against Barcelona’s attack and will be under close scrutiny, as any mistake could be costly. In front of him, the central defense of Eder Militao and Antonio Rüdiger has shown some vulnerability recently, but expectations are clear: provide solid, reassuring presence so Lunin can focus on decisive saves. Lucas Vazquez takes Dani Carvajal’s place as a starter, while Ferland Mendy on the left flank will face the talented Lamine Yamal (17 years old).
Camavinga, Bellingham, and Tchouameni in midfield against Barça
Rodrygo’s injury has changed his coach’s plans, who has opted for a 4-4-2 diamond formation. Edouardo Camavinga, who was left on the bench against Dortmund in the Champions League, will feature in tonight’s Clasico. Alongside him, Aurelien Tchouameni will play sentinel and Jude Bellingham will add dynamism as a box-to-box midfielder. Federico Valverde will complete this configuration by providing an immediate attacking transition.
Real Madrid’s attack will lean on its star duo: Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé. The world eagerly awaits the French striker’s impact in Ancelotti’s attack. Vinicius’ speed and Mbappé’s precision could prove lethal against a Barcelona defense that has yet to face a pairing of this caliber this season. If the two stars can exploit open spaces, they could secure the long-awaited victory for Real Madrid.
Beyond the race for first place, this Clasico also offers Carlo Ancelotti a chance to make history. A victory would bring Real Madrid level on points with Barça, the Liga leader, while Ancelotti himself could break several Clasico records held by Pep Guardiola. Madrid’s bench, brimming with young talent like Arda Güler, Modric, Brahim Diaz, Endrick, and Ceballos, also provides Ancelotti a wide array of options.
Official Real Madrid Lineup for El Clasico:
- Goalkeeper: Lunin
- Defenders: Vazquez, Rudiger, Militao, Mendy
- Midfielders: Tchouameni, Bellingham, Camavinga
- Forwards: Valverde, Vinicius Jr, Mbappé
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