Real Madrid will be facing Athletic Club at the Bernabeu in La Liga on Sunday night, with one star player out due to suspension and another making his return from a ban. Vinicius Jr. will be unavailable for the match after receiving too many yellow cards in the previous game. Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his disappointment at not having Vinicius available but did not seem concerned about the player’s off-field activities, such as filming a Netflix documentary.
Despite the absence of Vinicius, Real Madrid will have Jude Bellingham back in the squad after serving his suspension for a red card. Ancelotti is not underestimating Athletic Club, as they have the Copa del Rey final to prepare for but expects them to give their best in the match at the Bernabeu. With Barcelona closing in on their lead in the league, Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points and will be looking to secure a win against a tough opponent in Athletic Club.
Eder Militao will make the squad list after recovering from an ACL tear earlier in the season but is unlikely to start the game. Nacho is expected to partner Antonio Rudiger in central defense, with Carvajal and Mendy providing defensive cover on the flanks. In midfield, Tchouameni will play as the pivot behind Kroos, with Bellingham and Valverde in more advanced roles. The front two pairing will consist of Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo, as Real Madrid line up to face Athletic Club.
Athletic Club will have a week to prepare for the Copa del Rey final but Ancelotti believes they will still field a strong team against Real Madrid, as they are also aiming for a Champions League spot. The Italian coach is focused on his own team’s performance and is expecting Athletic Club to come to the Bernabeu with the intention of taking points from the game. Real Madrid will have to be at their best to secure a victory and maintain their lead at the top of the La Liga table.
With Vinicius Jr. unavailable, Real Madrid will be missing a key attacking threat but will have Bellingham back in the squad to bolster the midfield. Ancelotti will be cautious in his approach to the game, making sure to field a strong lineup against a motivated Athletic Club side. The battle for the top spot in La Liga is heating up, and every match counts for Real Madrid as they aim to fend off their rivals and secure the league title. The clash at the Bernabeu promises to be an exciting encounter between two top teams in Spanish football.
