He real Madrid reaches the always demanding San Mames at a key moment of the season. With a good streak in LaLiga, those of Carlo Ancelotti They have the opportunity to get closer to the leadership held by FC Barcelona.
However, the duel against Athletic Club It will not be easy, and the Italian coach plans some adjustments to the starting eleven to face the Bilbao team.
Tchouaméni, the most anticipated return
The big news for the white team will be the return of Aurélien Tchouaméniwho returns after a month out due to the injury suffered against Milan. Ancelotti hinted in the preview that the Frenchman is ready to start. However, it remains to be decided whether he will play as a midfield pivot or as a centre-back, a position he has already occupied in the past.
- Raul Asenciowho has stood out in recent games as a starting centre-back in the absence of Tchouaméni, could maintain his place in the axis of defense if the Frenchman is used in midfield.
- On the left wing, Fran Garcia aims to repeat as a starter after his outstanding performance against Getafe, which could leave Ferland Mendywho raised doubts at Anfield.
Valverde, key on the right wing
Tchouaméni’s return to the pivot will allow Fede Valverde occupy the right wing, where he will have the mission of supporting Lucas Vazquez in containing one of Athletic’s most dangerous players: Nico Williams.
This tactical adjustment seeks to reinforce the defensive solidity of the white team in an area where Athletic is usually very incisive.
The forward and the tactical scheme
Ancelotti is considering returning to the 4-4-2a formation that could give greater balance to the team in a scenario as demanding as San Mamés. In this scheme, Rodrygo has more options to accompany Kylian Mbappé with Brahim Díazleaving Arda Güler on the bench.
Real Madrid’s probable lineup
- Goalie: Courtois.
- Defense: Lucas Vázquez, Rüdiger, Asencio, Fran García.
- Midfield: Tchouaméni, Dani Ceballos, Valverde.
- Lead: Rodrygo, Mbappé, Brahim.
Athletic Club, always intense in its fiefdom, will be a difficult rival. The lions, with their physical and vertical style of play, will test Madrid’s defensive solidity and the ability of their midfielders to control the pace of the match.
Probable lineup of Athletic Club
- Goalie: Agirrezabala.
- Defense: Óscar de Marcos, Dani Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri.
- Midfield: Beñat Prados, Ruiz de Galarreta, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, Iñaki Williams.
- Lead: Guruzeta.
The duel between Nico Williams and Madrid’s right sector will be one of the key points, while Real Madrid will seek to take advantage of the speed of Vinicius Jr. and the talent of Rodrygo to generate danger in the rival area.
Can Real Madrid maintain its streak and get closer to the lead? Everything is ready for a vibrant match at San Mamés, where the whites will seek to prevail in one of the most emblematic venues in LaLiga.