Since 72 hours, the question had increased the pressure in the spans of Valdebebas: who by Gonzalo Garcia, revelation of the tournament with four goals, or Kylian Mbappé, still short of pace, would be aligned from the start against PSG? The debate had everything to divide, especially since the stake is immense in this shock of the semi-finals of the World Cup. And tonight, Xabi Alonso decided.
Mbappé holder for the first time in this World Cup
Kylian Mbappé was chosen to start at the forefront of the Madrid attack. A first tenure in this competition for the French, aligned against the club which he left a few months earlier. The Basque coach took the bet to let Gonzalo Garcia on the bench, despite the brilliant performances of the young Spanish. Mbappé will be supported by Vinicius Junior on the left and Arda Güler on the right, in a flamboyant offensive line … but also to experience.
Xabi Alonso knows what he does: even decreased, Mbappé remains a player who turns the big evenings. His acrobatic goal against Dortmund recalled him. But beyond the sporting aspect, this choice also reflects a desire to manage humans. Faced with PSG, refusing to Mbappé this place in the eleven could have been perceived as a slap. The former Parisian is inflated with a block, determined to shine against his former teammates, and this type of match is sometimes more by the guts than by the legs.
Mbappé against PSG: Xabi Alonso's daring bet
A Battle of environments that promises to be decisive
The rest of the eleven Madrid is faithful to Alonso's habits. Tchouameni, Valverde and Bellingham will form a solid and complementary environment. Opposite, Paris aligns Vitinha, João Neves and Fabián Ruiz. An opposition of styles that could well dictate the outcome of the match. Because if the media attention is on Mbappé, it is at the heart of the game that the battle will undoubtedly decide.
With the absence of Dean Huijsen, suspended, it is Raúl Asensio who takes place alongside Rüdiger in a hinge. On the sides, Fran García and Alexander-Arnold will hold their corridor, while Courtois will obviously be tenured in the cages. This Real Alonso version, dense and ambitious, put big on talent … and on the symbol. The Mbappé bet is launched. Answer this evening, between 11 p.m. and midnight.
