Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Espanyol
Diego Lopez and one point separate Real Madrid from the 2021/22 La Liga title today. Los Blancos host Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu today in a game that could crown Marcelo as the most decorated player to wear the royal white.
Speaking of, Marcelo starts at left-back today, with Lucas Vazquez on the opposite flank. With David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Nacho Fernandez out, Jesus Vallejo gets the nod at cente-back along with Casemiro.
Thibaut Courtois, starting in goal, is undoubtedly the most important part of this make-shift defence.
The midfield has some changes as well with Dani Ceballos coming in for a second consecutive league start. Eduardo Camavinga takes his place as the defensive midfielder, and Luka Modric rounds off the trident in the centre of the park.
The entire frontline has been shuffled from the Manchester City game, with Mariano replacing Karim Benzema as the centre-forward. Marco Asensio comes in on the right-wing, while Rodrygo gets the chance in his favourable left-wing position after a long time.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜 🆚 @RCDEspanyol! #RealMadridEspanyol pic.twitter.com/r53yVI6119
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 30, 2022
Confirmed Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Casemiro, Vallejo, Marcelo; Modric, Camavinga, Ceballos; Asensio, Mariano, Rodrygo
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
