Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad list to face Espanyol
It’s title-decider day in the heart of the Spanish capital as Real Madrid gear up to host Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu. A draw could guarantee their place as the champions of La Liga for the 2022/23 season.
Ahead of the clash, Carlo Ancelotti has chosen a 21-man squad list who will likely feature on the pitch before any celebrations can commence.
This includes just five defenders in the form of Daniel Carvajal, Marcelo, Jesus Vallejo, Ferland Mendy, and Castilla centre-back Mario Gila. Eder Militao and Nacho Fernandez are suspended, while David Alaba is injured, effectively leaving Ancelotti with one senior CB.
He does have plenty of players back in his midfield roster, though. Casemiro missed the Manchester City clash due to injury, but is expected to start tomorrow.
In attack, Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic are still injured, and, thus, do not make the final list. Mariano Diaz features alongside Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo.
📋✅ Our squad for #RealMadridEspanyol! pic.twitter.com/zxQSu3iDmj
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 29, 2022
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.
