Ancelotti welcomes back Lucas Vázquez and moves Valverde into midfield as Real Madrid prepare for their Valladolid clash.
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has received a boost ahead of the team's next La Liga match, with Lucas Vázquez returning to the line-up. The change will allow Uruguayan star Fede Valverde to return to his natural position in midfield.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti is faced with a choice between Dani Ceballos and Aurélien Tchouaméni to partner Valverde. Notably, Brazilian forward Vinícius Jr. remain sidelined while serving the final match of his two-match suspension.
Madrid back to La Liga after Champions League Triumph
Fresh from their dominant performance in the seventh round of the UEFA Champions League against RB Salzburg, where they cruised to a decisive victory, Real Madrid are turning their attention back to La Liga. The team travels to Real Valladolid at Estadio José Zorrilla on Sunday, with kickoff set for 3:00 PM EST.
By then, Los Blancos will know the result of the Atlético Madrid match as their city rivals are closely following them in the standings. They will also keep an eye on Barcelona's match against Valencia, scheduled for the following day.
No Vinicius Jr for Real Madrid against Valladolid
The absence of Vinicius Jr. has been notable as the winger completes his suspension after a red card against Valencia. His week has been marked by inconsistency – he sat the match against Las Palmas, played against RB Salzburg, and will now miss the Valladolid match, along with the final Champions League group stage match against Brest.
In Vinícius' absence, Brahim Díaz returns to the starting line-up, having impressed in his last start at the Santiago Bernabéu against Las Palmas. Jude Bellingham will serve as the creative link between midfield and attack, while Rodrygo takes up the left wing position and Kylian Mbappé leads the line.
Both Rodrygo and Mbappe have been in excellent form in January, having already conceded five goals this month. Mbappe remains in a close race with Robert Lewandowski for the competition's top scoring title.
Who plays for Real Madrid against Real Valladolid?
The return of Lucas Vázquez reshapes Ancelotti's defensive setup. Valverde, who had filled in as right back, will now move back to midfield. The backline is expected to include vázquez, Raúl Asencio – who continues to impress with his maturity – ANTONIO RUDiger and Fran García. Rudiger is expected to start again despite his heavy workload this season, while Fran García replaces Ferland Mendy, who started in the Champions League midweek.
Ancelotti's squad will see Valverde as a surefire starter, leaving one spot contested between Ceballos and Tchouaméni. Ceballos has the edge due to his recent strong performances, while Tchouaméni is still regaining full fitness after missing games against Las Palmas and Salzburg due to injury.
Real madrid possible start xi
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García
Midfielders: Dani Ceballos or Aurélien Tchouaméni, Fede Valverde
Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé
The rest of the squad includes backup goalkeepers Andriy Lunin and Fran González; defenders David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Jacobo Ramón and Lorenzo; midfielders Luka Modrić, Arda Güler; and forward Endrick.
With the league heating up and rivals closing down, Real Madrid need a strong performance to maintain their lead and momentum in the title race.
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