Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Almeria
As Real Madrid look to bounce back from their disheartening 4-2 defeat at the hands of Girona, manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed the starting lineup that will take the field against UD Almeria at the Santiago Bernabeu in a couple of hours.
As expected, the returning superstar duo of Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois reclaim their spots in the Real Madrid lineup. The former was absent against Girona due to a knock while the latter missed the match due to gastroenteritis, but both are back and starting.
With Luka Modric out injured for two weeks, Dani Ceballos gets the nod in the middle of the park for the Merengues, after missing the last game due to suspension.
The Spaniard is paired up with Aurelien Tchouameni and Toni Kroos, with Federico Valverde getting a rest.
As for the backline, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger continue to pair up at the heart of the defence in the continued absence of David Alaba. Meanwhile, Lucas Vazquez gets a run-out at right-back while Eduardo Camavinga features on the opposite side.
Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr accompany Benzema in the Real Madrid attacking unit.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro 𝗫𝗜 inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 29, 2023
🆚 @U_D_Almeria #RealMadridAlmería | @UnicajaBanco pic.twitter.com/5spcsRTM39
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
