Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Barcelona | Copa del Rey
Real Madrid will be gunning to end their recent poor run in El Clasico encounters when they face off against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at Spotify Camp Nou.
The Merengues have lost each of their last three matches against Barça, including the first leg of the cup semi-final. It has put them at a disadvantage heading into tonight’s clash as they are trailing their rivals by one goal.
So, anything less than a win by a two-goal margin will not be enough for Real Madrid. And, ahead of the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced the lineup that will face Barcelona at Camp Nou.
There are a few changes made to the team that started against Real Valladolid in La Liga at the weekend.
Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga slot in as the right-back and left-back, respectively. Meanwhile, Eder Militao and David Alaba continue as the two centre-backs despite the return of Antonio Rudiger from injury.
Moving into midfield Luka Modric comes into the side at the expense of Aurelien Tchouameni. Federico Valverde and Toni Kroos occupy the second and third midfield slots.
Rodrygo Goes lines up on the right flank while Vinicius Jr will start on the left and hope to get the better of Ronald Araujo this time out.
There could also be a possibility that Kroos and Modric start as the double pivot with Valverde on the right wing and Rodrygo in the No. 10 role.
Captain Karim Benzema starts as the No. 9 and will be looking to repeat his heroics from the weekend when he scored a hat-trick against Valladolid.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro 𝗫𝗜 inicial para #ElClásico!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 5, 2023
🆚 @FCBarcelona_es@UnicajaBanco | #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/lRri7ZJNqH
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.
