Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Rayo Vallecano
As Real Madrid look to reclaim top spot in La Liga from Girona, the Galacticos have announced their starting lineup to take on Rayo Vallecano.
Carlo Ancelotti has made a few changes to the lineup, resting some key players and giving a few others some much-needed starts.
Kepa Arrizzabalaga starts in goal again, shielded by a back four of Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Fran Garcia, as the latter returns to the XI after Ferland Mendy replaced him in El Clasico.
In midfield, Luka Modric makes just his fourth start in La Liga this season, alongside Eduardo Camavinga and the man in red-hot form – Jude Bellingham.
Up front, Ancelotti has deployed Fede Valverde on the right and Vinicius Jr on the left, with the experienced Joselu leading the line.
Arda Guler is finally back on the bench after grappling with constant injuries and could make his Madrid debut tonight, and Rodrygo also starts as a sub after signing a new deal with the Merengues.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro 𝗫𝗜 inicial 🆚 @RayoVallecano! @UnicajaBanco | #RealMadridRayo pic.twitter.com/Im61ehg0n6
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) November 5, 2023
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
