Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting XI to face Athletic Club | La Liga
As Real Madrid get set to kick off the 2023/24 La Liga campaign against Athletic Club at San Mames, manager Carlo Ancelotti has released the starting lineup for the game.
As expected, Andriy Lunin gets the nod in goal for Real Madrid in the absence of Thibaut Courtois, and he will look to make a big impact ahead of the imminent arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan.
Dani Carvajal and new signing Fran Garcia slot in as the full-backs on the right and left sides, respectively, with Eder Militao and David Alaba getting the nod as the centre-backs for Los Blancos.
As had been reported before, Ancelotti has gone in with a fully young midfield unit without his trusted veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Indeed, Aurelien Tchouameni starts as the defensive midfielder while Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga slot in as the two interior midfielders.
Blockbuster new signing Jude Bellingham occupies the No. 10 role at the tip of the diamond formation. He will play just off of star forwards Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro 𝗫𝗜 inicial!
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Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
