Real Madrid will face Athletic Bilbao this Wednesday in their 19th La Liga match at San Mamés.
This game, moved forward due to the Supercup of Spain scheduled for early 2025, is crucial for Carlo Ancelotti and his team, who must win to stay in the race for the title with league leaders FC Barcelona.
Ancelotti has chosen a 4-4-2 formation, with Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo Goes leading the attack in place of the injured Vinicius Junior. Mbappé will play on the left wing, while Rodrygo will be positioned up front.
In midfield, Jude Bellingham will be responsible for the offensive play, supported by Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who makes his return from injury.
In defense, Fran García, in good form lately, retains his position on the left flank, keeping Ferland Mendy on the bench.
Raul Asensio, now a regular in central defense, will partner with Antonio Rudiger, and Lucas Vazquez will occupy the right side. Thibaut Courtois will be in goal.
Official Real Madrid Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Fran García, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asensio, Lucas Vazquez (captain)
Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Dani Ceballos, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo Goes
A Key Test Before Girona
After a 2-0 victory over Getafe last Sunday, Real Madrid will face Girona on Saturday for the 16th La Liga match. This match against Bilbao, originally scheduled for January, offers Madrid an opportunity to keep the pressure on Barcelona.
With a strong team and Ancelotti’s tactical choices, expectations are high for this upcoming clash.
