Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Atletico Madrid
It has been a week to remember for Real Madrid, who not only sealed their 35th La Liga title last weekend with a thrilling 4-0 win over Espanyol, but have also booked a berth in the finals of the 2021/22 Champions League finals.
After an enthralling 120 minutes against Manchester City, though, Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to make some changes in the starting lineup against Atletico Madrid. These start with the goalkeeper, where Thibaut Courtois has been replaced by Andriy Lunin.
He has a backline of four defenders screening him, with Nacho Fernandez starting at left-back. Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo man the centre-back slots, while Lucas Vazquez takes over the right-back slot.
In midfield Luka Modric has been rested to give way for Eduardo Camavinga. The Frenchman was superb against Manchester City, and should be one of the difference makers tonight. Casemiro and Toni Kroos round off the midfield trident.
There are three changes in the attack as well. Karim Benzema does not start, with Ancelotti choosing Mariano as the number 9 tonight. Super-sub in midweek, Rodrygo, starts on the left, with Marco Asensio as the right-winger.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜 🆚 @atletienglish! #AtletiRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/pW8nd0C4I2
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 8, 2022
Confirmed Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Vallejo, Nacho; Camavinga, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Mariano, Rodrygo
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.
