A few hours before the grand final of the Intercontinental Club Cup between Real Madrid and Pachuca, El Chiringuito TV has made a big announcement about Kylian Mbappé and Raúl Asensio.
Today is the big day. While the competition began a few days ago with the quarter-finals and semi-finals that led the Mexicans of Pachuca FC to the final, Real Madrid will enter the competition this Wednesday. As reigning European champions, Florentino Pérez’s club will play directly in the final of this competition at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar at 5 pm GMT, 6 pm in France. For this crucial match, Carlo Ancelotti, who could become the most decorated coach in Real Madrid’s history if victorious, has made some bold decisions.
Early indications of Real Madrid’s line-up
At least that is what some Spanish media outlets are reporting. Starting with El Chiringuito TV, where Edu Aguirre, a journalist specialising in Real Madrid, announced the inclusion of Kylian Mbappé in the starting eleven. Initially doubtful for this fixture due to a muscle injury sustained last week in the Champions League, particularly against Atalanta Bergamo, KM9 fought hard to be ready in time for this final. As Marca reported on Tuesday, the former PSG player personally informed the medical staff that he was 100% ready to face Pachuca.
Following the last training session at the Lusail Stadium, which he knows well, Mbappé apparently convinced Carlo Ancelotti, who, barring any last-minute surprises, is expected to start him alongside Vinícius Júnior, the best player of the year. Aside from this significant news regarding Madrid’s line-up, Diario AS also shared updates, particularly about the defence.
No Raúl Asensio
Although the team showed significant defensive weaknesses last Saturday against Rayo Vallecano, the defence is not expected to see any changes. Despite the presence of young Raúl Asensio, who has impressed since Eder Militao’s injury, Ancelotti is likely to rely on the pairing of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Antonio Rüdiger for this final. This is another bold decision by the Italian coach, who continues to trust a midfielder repositioned as a defender over a young talent who is already proving his worth.
With Tchouaméni in the starting eleven, AS suggests that Eduardo Camavinga will begin the game in midfield in the role of a number six. All in all, we are set for a strong Real Madrid line-up, as they cannot afford any mistakes against Pachuca FC, who defeated Brazil’s Botafogo (3-0) in the quarter-finals and Egypt’s Al Ahly (0-0, 6-5 on penalties) in the semi-finals. Tune in to the exclusive channel broadcasting this match this Wednesday from 5 pm to enjoy this thrilling football showdown.
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