Carlo Ancelotti has revealed a completely revamped lineup to face Rayo Vallecano this Saturday. Deprived of several executives for this crucial away meeting, the Italian coach had to juggle between absences and returns from injury to constitute his starting eleven.
Real Madrid will have to do without Kylian Mbappé, victim of a thigh injury during the match against Atalanta. Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are also missing, leaving Ancelotti with an unprecedented defense. However, the returns of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo offer a breath of fresh air to Madrid’s attack.
Real must cope without Mbappé
For this duel against Rayo, the starting lineup will be as follows: Courtois will keep the goals. In defense, Lucas Vazquez will occupy the right flank, while Fran Garcia will be aligned on the left. The central duo will be made up of Antonio Rüdiger and the young Asencio, chosen in the absence of the starters.
In the middle, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde will form a double sentinel to balance the team. In front of them, the attacking trio will be made up of Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. Finally, Rodrygo will play at the forefront, bringing his mobility and technicality.
Feedback that makes the difference
The presences of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are particularly reassuring, these two players having recently recovered from injuries. As for Jude Bellingham, he seems to be sufficiently prepared to play a decisive role in this meeting. Eduardo Camavinga, still in the recovery phase, will start on the bench.
Faced with a Rayo Vallecano who likes to shake up the favorites, this eleven combines caution and ambition. Ancelotti hopes this formula will be enough to overcome the ordeal, while the race in La Liga remains as hotly contested as ever.
Real Madrid’s eleven:
Courteous; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F. Garcia; Ceballos, Valverde; Brahim, Bellingham, Vinicius; Rodrygo
