Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against RCD Mallorca
Real Madrid will be aiming to reduce the gap between themselves and leaders FC Barcelona when they take on RCD Mallorca away at Son Moix in a couple of hours.
With not much time left for the game to kick off, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has released the starting lineup that will be taking the field against Javier Aguirre’s side.
As expected Thibaut Courtois continues in goal for Los Blancos while Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez form the centre-back pairing in the injury-enforced absence of Eder Militao.
With Nacho moving to centre-back, Dani Carvajal returns to the starting XI, reclaiming his position at right-back. Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga gets another opportunity at left-back even though David Alaba is an option for Ancelotti.
Aurelien Tchouameni makes his first start since returning from injury, slotting in at the base of the midfield. He is accompanied by Federico Valverde and Dani Ceballos in the centre of the park for Real Madrid against Mallorca, meaning Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have been benched by the manager.
Rodrygo Goes starts as the No. 9 in Karim Benzema’s absence. He is flanked by Marco Asensio and Vinicius Jr, both of whom were on target in the midweek clash against Valencia.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro 𝗫𝗜 inicial 🆚 @RCD_Mallorca!@UnicajaBanco | #RCDMallorcaRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/hlnHbLvK45
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 5, 2023
Although Antonio Rudiger has had success since joining Real Madrid last summer, the club are in need of more depth and players that can form the backbone of the defensive unit in the years to come.
As part of their plans, Real Madrid are prioritising a move for Josko Gvardiol in the coming summer, reports 90 Min.
The outlet suggests Gvardiol will be one of the most wanted prospects in the market, with both Real Madrid and Manchester City eyeing a move for the Croatian international come the end of the season.
Formerly of Dinamo Zagreb, Gvardiol has enjoyed immense success since his move to the Bundesliga in 2021. He has impressed onlookers with his skill, organisation and discipline, which, coupled with his versatility, make him an appealing target for any European giant.
Gvardiol was also one of the top performers at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Croatia finish third in the competition. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid among the clubs who have been keeping an eye on the defender for a while now.
However, signing Gvardiol will be a tricky task for Los Blancos. The player still has a long-term contract at Leipzig and could cost up to €85 million, as reported by 90 Min. Not to mention, the competition from Man City could be significant.
Real Madrid have no shortage of alternatives, though, with the club notably closely monitoring Portuguese defensive whizkid Antonio Silva, among others. So it will be interesting to see how the Spanish giants approach the market in this coming summer.
