The month of February went from average to horrible for Real Madrid when they went crashing out of the Copa del Rey to none other than bitter rivals, Barcelona. Not only did they lose the cup tie, but they also lost it in an embarrassing fashion.
However, Solari’s men do have a shot at redemption with another Clasico scheduled for Saturday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu itself. Not much has changed since the defeat, but the La Liga trophy would be a motivation for Los Blancos.
Isco Alarcon is set to return from injury and would most probably have a cameo appearance in the El Clasico. Nacho would not be eligible for this league meeting between the two sides due to the red card he picked up last weekend against Levante. Llorente is yet to return to training and would not even make the bench in time for this fixture.
Apart from that, Solari would have a full-strength squad to choose from and maybe get things right on the third attempt in a span of 30 days. A whole host of changes are expected from the Spanish gaffer who is under intense scrutiny from the press based in Madrid.
Here’s how we at T4O feel Real Madrid would lineup to face eternal rivals, Barcelona.
Defence
Summer recruit, Thibaut Courtois would take over from Keylor Navas who started in the cup encounter. The Belgian has been a regular starter for The Whites in the league. Raphael Varane revealed on social media about the gruesome injury he picked up in the previous Clasico but is more or less likely to start in defence. Captain, Sergio Ramos would be joining Varane in the heart of Madrid’s defence and would have his name twin, Sergio Reguilon on the left-back position
Midfield
The trident of Kroos, Modric and Casemiro would start without a doubt. The trio would definitely need to keep their focus if things are to work out for Real Madrid this time around. Modric had a very poor evening last time around whereas Casemiro seemed confused about his role in the side. Solari cannot afford to have such mistakes repeated.
Attack
It’s highly likely that Gareth Bale would get the nod for this encounter ahead of Lucas Vasquez. The Welshman’s appearances in the white of Madrid have been restricted to substitute appearances lately. Karim Benzema, the only proven out and out number 9 at Real Madrid would keep his place in the starting line-up. 18-year-old wonder-kid, Vinicius Junior would start on the left wing.
Starting Eleven
Courtois
Carvajal – Varane – Ramos – Reguilon
Modric – Casemiro – Kroos
Bale – Benzema – Vinicius
