Real Madrid have all but secured this season’s La Liga title with their recent win against Barcelona, but there is still work to be done to definitely secure the silver trophy for 2023/24.
Jude Bellingham was back at it again with a late winner The classic, having beaten Barca in their first meeting at the start of the season. But coach Carlo Ancelotti will have to do without the England international in the game against Real Sociedad on Friday evening.
Los Blancos will need others to step up in his absence against a Sociedad team that is unbeaten in its last five games and has three wins.
This is how Madrid could line up for the game on Friday evening.
TK: Andriy Lunin – The Ukrainian played on loan at Leganes, Real Valladolid and Oviedo but has shown he can compete at the highest level in the absence of Thibaut Courtois due to injury.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – He proved an unlikely hero in last week’s Clasico triumph with a goal and an assist and was described by Bellingham as a “bloody legend” for his contribution.
CB: Eder Militao – He has yet to start since returning from his long-term injury, but now could be the time to give the Brazilian some important minutes.
CB: Nacho Fernandez – Antonio Rüdiger could be given a break, which could allow club captain Nacho, whose contract expires this summer, to be included in the starting XI.
LB: Eduardo Camavinga – Ferland Mendy will not travel with Madrid due to muscle fatigue, so the versatile Camavinga or young Fran Garcia could step in at left-back.
CM: Federico Valverde – One of the cleanest ball strikers in world football, Valverde’s tireless approach remains as central to Ancelotti and Madrid as ever.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Did well in central defense alongside Rüdiger The classic However, he may be allowed to sit in front of the back four as a midfield enforcer.
CM: Luka Modric – Toni Kroos has dominated the midfield minutes of Madrid’s two legendary players, but Modric’s impressive performance against Barca could be rewarded with a start in the 15th league this season.
AM: Brahim Diaz – Bellingham’s absence means there is another chance for Diaz, who contributed five goals and three assists in La Liga in 2023/24.
ST: Josel – The 34-year-old proved a skillful player for Madrid even as he looks to end a seven-game run without a goal on Friday evening.
ST: Rodrygo – Compatriot Vinicius Junior could take a break, so Rodrygo will have to apply a lot of pressure up front.