Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Celta Vigo | La Liga
Real Madrid will be looking to extend their perfect start to the 2023/24 La Liga campaign when they lock horns with Celta Vigo at the Balaidos in a couple of hours.
Ahead of the contest, manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced the starting lineup, with the Italian tactician making couple of changes to the team that faced Almeria last week.
The big news is that Kepa Arrizabalaga, having arrived on loan from Chelsea, makes his debut for Real Madrid in goal, with Andriy Lunin getting benched.
The second change comes in the centre of the park where Toni Kroos has been left out, with Eduardo Camavinga returning to the team.
As they did last week, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Fran Garcia form Real Madrid’s rearguard.
Jude Bellingham starts as the No. 10 while Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde also retain their places in midfield.
Up top, Ancelotti has continued with the Brazilian duo of Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr.
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Real Madrid News
Real Madrid retain total confidence in Carlo Ancelotti despite derby disaster – report
Sunday night was a disappointing one for Real Madrid as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano.
The Merengues suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 season as former striker Alvaro Morata scored a brace for the Rojiblancos while Antoine Griezmann was also on target.
Real Madrid might be feeling aggrieved by some of the calls made by the referee on the night but they were just not good enough to secure all three points at the Metropolitano.
Real Madrid retain full confidence in Ancelotti
Despite the disappointing performance and outcome, Real Madrid retain their full and total confidence in manager Carlo Ancelotti, reports Jose Felix Diaz (via RM4Arab).
There had been question marks about the team selection made by the manager for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
After all, the Italian opted to bench Joselu from the starting XI to bring in Luka Modric and shift the tactics.
Aurelien Tchouameni was also left out despite being one of the team’s strongest performers this season with Toni Kroos being preferred.
The Real Madrid hierarchy wishes for the manager to trust the next-gen midfield for the big games but Ancelotti’s selection indicated that he is still not ready to do so.
Despite there being some differences, the board retains full confidence in Ancelotti.
Ancelotti accepts blame for defeat
It was a disappointing performance from Real Madrid in their biggest test of the 2023/24 season so far and speaking after the match, manager Ancelotti accepted the blame for the outcome.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility. It’s my fault,” Ancelotti said.
With the game done and dusted, Real Madrid now turn their focus towards producing a strong comeback when they face Las Palmas later this week.
