Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Manchester City | UCL semi-finals 2nd leg
With Real Madrid set to face their biggest test of the season so far against Manchester City in a couple of hours, manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced the starting lineup that will take the field at the Etihad Stadium.
Coming into the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final with a 1-1 aggregate scoreline, the Real Madrid boss has opted to make one change to the XI that started in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Eder Militao and David Alaba start as the centre-backs while Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga will line up out wide in the Merengues’ backline that will shield Thibaut Courtois in goal.
Antonio Rudiger, who was brilliant in the first leg, has been left out on the bench.
Toni Kroos once again slots in as the holding midfielder for Real Madrid. He will be joined by fellow veteran Luka Modric and the energetic Federico Valverde in the centre of the park against the Premier League champions.
The attacking unit comprises of the usual suspects in the form of Rodrygo Goes, Karim Benzema, and Vinicius Jr, with Marco Asensio on the bench.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro 𝗫𝗜 inicial 🆚 @ManCityES!#UCL pic.twitter.com/x6mL4eF6MQ
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 17, 2023
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
Pat Grey
May 17, 2023 at 6:02 pm
No, not too good Ancelotti. Without the physicality of Rudiger, Man City’s Halaand will run riot in Madrid’s goal area. Camanvinga would do better in midfield. His left back position gets him into trouble with slack passes that the sharp City attackers can easily capitalize on as it happened during the first leg. Asensio should have started as an attacker on the right alongside Benzema and Vinicius, with Rodrygo waiting to come in later. City are very dangerous, esoecially in at home games. You need physycality, maturity, and speed to keep them quiet.