Real Madrid News
Three changes Ancelotti could make to the starting lineup for Real Madrid vs Girona
Following Barcelona’s win over Valencia, Real Madrid have momentarily slipped to the second position in the league table. However, the reigning Spanish champions will have the opportunity to regain the top spot when they take on Girona on Sunday.
Heading into this affair, we will take a look at three changes Carlo Ancelotti could make, especially after succumbing to a surprise defeat at the hands of RB Leipzig in midweek.
Federico Valverde in for Marco Asensio
Given the way Barcelona are performing in domestic competitions this season, Ancelotti is likely to field a strong starting eleven against Girona. Hence, there could be changes in the offing, one of which could see Federico Valverde replacing Marco Asensio.
The Uruguayan international had missed the midweek encounter owing to a knock. But he has been declared fit for the clash and will be desperate to continue his excellent form as he replaces Marco Asensio in the wider midfield position.
David Alaba in for Nacho Fernandez
After conceding three goals in midweek, Ancelotti might want to solidify Real Madrid’s defensive lines by replacing Nacho Fernandez with the reliable David Alaba.
The Austrian international was on the bench during the midweek encounter. But he will play a vital role against Girona, especially with his ability to move out of defence and provide quality during the build-up play.
Dani Caravajal in for Lucas Vazquez
Another defensive change in the Real Madrid setup could see Lucas Vazquez making way for Dani Carvajal.
Much like Alaba, Carvajal was also on the bench against Leipzig. But his experience, coupled with his composure and technical qualities could come in handy as Real Madrid look to break the shackles of the Girona backline tonight.
In addition to his offensive qualities, Carvajal also offers better balance on the right hand side, which could prove to be crucial in Real Madrid’s bid to quench the occasional counterattacks from the opposition.
Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia dreams of playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid, the winger’s father has revealed following the UEFA Champions League clash between the two teams last night.
Kvaratskhelia, 22, exploded upon arriving at Napoli last year, leading them to the Serie A title on the back of his explosive performances.
The Georgian winger has been impressing in the ongoing campaign as well, although he failed to score or assist in either of Napoli’s meetings with Real Madrid in the Champions League group stages.
Kvaratskhelia has previously spoken about how he has always been a lifelong supporter of Real Madrid and grew up idolising some of the club’s legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Guti, among others.
Now, the 22-year-old winger’s father has revealed that his son has always dreamt of and continues to dream of playing for Real Madrid.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Kvaratskhelia’s father said: “Khvicha always dreamed and still dreams of playing for Real Madrid. I am sure about it.”
Talking about the fact that the winger got to play against Real Madrid, Kvaratskhelia’s father added: “For Khvicha, playing vs Real Madrid was special. In my family, everyone is a Real Madrid supporter, except me.”
Real Madrid are in the market for attacking reinforcements, but they are looking for a centre-forward next summer and have Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland as their main targets.
As for Kvaratskhelia, whose market value stands at €85 million, it seems quite apparent that he harbours dreams of playing for Real Madrid. But it remains to be seen if there is some interest from Los Blancos in signing the winger.
