Real Madrid start their season against Athletic Club without two of their former leaders: Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois. After 14 years of loyal service, the number 9 went into exile in Saudi Arabia while the Belgian rampart seriously injured his knee. Opposite, the Bilbao club has not experienced any major changes in its workforce, neither in the direction of departures, nor in the direction of arrivals. Last season, Casa Blanca finished runner-up to FC Barcelona while the Basque club finished eighth in La Liga. The meeting can be followed live with commentary on French Football Weekly from 9:30 p.m.
For this match, Carlo Ancelotti starts two rookies with Fran Garcia as left-back and Jude Bellingham in the midfield alongside the two French internationals Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouameni. In front, Valverde and Vinicius Jr will accompany Rodrygo, who starts at the forefront of the attack. Opposite, Ernesto Valverde aligns a 4-2-3-1 with the young Unai Gomez, 20, for a first official tenure with the professional group, Nico Williams and Muniain on the wings and, finally, Inaki Williams, alone in front.
Team compositions:
Athletic Club: Simon – De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Lekue – Galarreta, Vesga – N.Williams, U.Gomez, Muniain – I.Williams
Real Madrid : Lunin – Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, F.Garcia – Bellingham, Tchoumanéni, Camavinga – Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
