Real Madrid are seeking to close the gap on Barcelona in La Liga this Saturday as they host high-flying Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos have fallen to hugely underwhelming defeats in their two most recent outings, following up their 4-0 humiliation in El Clasico with a woeful loss against Milan in the Champions League. They are now nine points off Barcelona in La Liga and need to make up lost ground in their final four league phase games in Europe.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have thoroughly disappointed this term despite the addition of superstar Kylian Mbappe and must stop the rot this weekend. The Madrid manager needs to figure out how to get the best out of the Frenchman while also allowing Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior to thrive.
Here is how Madrid could line up as they seek redemption this weekend.
GK: Andriy Lunin – With Thibaut Courtois still out of action, Lunin retains his spot in between the sticks. He’s been left horribly exposed by those in front of him in recent fixtures and will be keen for greater protection against Osasuna.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – Having seen Rafael Leao torture Vazquez midweek, plans to sign a new right-back may have to be brought forward in the January transfer window. Dani Carvajal’s season-ending injury leaves Madrid short on the right side of defence.
CB: Eder Militao – Militao struggled against Alvaro Morata and co on Tuesday evening and often found himself trying to bail Vazquez out. The in-form Bryan Zaragoza will be eager to exploit Madrid down that side of the pitch.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Rudiger was also far from his best against Milan, even if he did score an exceptional goal that was ruled out for offside. He will need to keep experienced sharpshooter Ante Budimir quiet.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Recent performances have left an awful lot to be desired, with Bayern Munich likely adding a few million on to Alphonso Davies’ price tag with every passing game. Deputy Fran Garcia hasn’t offered enough to usurp the Frenchman.
CM: Federico Valverde – Valverde was withdrawn at half-time against Milan with a lower back issue but should be available for Ancelotti this weekend. The usually reliable Uruguayan has also suffered in recent weeks.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – Camavinga will be drafted in to replace the injured Aurelien Tchouameni, who could be out for a month with an ankle problem. The ease with which Milan played through Madrid’s midfield was alarming, even once Camavinga entered the fray.
CM: Jude Bellingham – Nothing is quite going Bellingham’s way right now as he struggles to replicate his sensational debut season. The Englishman is snatching at shots as he desperately searches for a first goal of the campaign.
RW: Rodrygo – Rodrygo made his return from injury midweek but was unable to change the game from the bench. The lively Brazilian will be restored to the starting lineup as Madrid struggle for creativity in the final third.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Another disappointing showing midweek won’t have boosted confidence levels, nor will his recent omission from the French national team for the November international break. He’s still getting chances through his raw speed but is misfiring in front of goal.
LW: Vinicius Junior – The Brazilian was Madrid’s greatest threat midweek but still fell massively below his usual standards. He’s underwhelmed in response to being snubbed for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
