Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad against Barcelona
Carlo Ancelotti has announced his 24-man squad that will host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu for the third El Clasico of the season. Coming off the back of two incredible wins against Paris Saint-Germain and RCD Mallorca respectively, Real Madrid are soaring mentally.
However, their problems start with the absence of Karim Benzema, who has been ruled out of the clash after an injury last weekend. Gareth Bale, Luka Jovic, and Mariano Diaz are listed as possible replacements.
In defence, Ferland Mendy does not make the cut either, as was confirmed by Carlo Ancelotti today. One of Nacho or Marcelo are expected to replace the Frenchman, faced with the task of defending against Ousmane Dembele or Adama Traore.
Rodrygo was substituted off during the Mallorca clash due to injury, but is deemed fit enough to make the cut for the Clasico.
📋✅ Our squad for #ElClásico! pic.twitter.com/MHgLJ8mIg5
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 19, 2022
FULL LIST:
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Pineiro
Defenders: Caravajal, Militao, Alaba, Vallejo, Nacho, Marcelo, Vazquez
Midfielders: Kroos, Modric, Casemiro, Valverde, Ceballos, Isco, Camavinga
Forwards: Hazard, Asensio, Jovic, Bale, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mariano
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
