Life goes on. Real Madrid are looking to bounce back from the heavy blow of their Champions League quarter-final elimination at the hands of one of LaLiga’s most in-form teams, Athletic Club. The two sides will cross paths this Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu in LaLiga matchday 32. Fighting for the title, the Whites cannot afford to slip up.
After a day of rest and reflection following their elimination from the Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal, the Real Madrid players returned to training on Friday at the Ciudad Deportiva de Valdebebas, with Ukrainian Andriy Lunin back in action and their minds set on changing the dynamic of the season.
The Whites are coming off, as we said, from saying goodbye to the Champions League after 180 fruitless minutes against Arsenal. If the 3-0 defeat in London was embarrassing, with two goals from set pieces by Declan Rice and a great goal by Mikel Merino, what happened at the Santiago Bernabéu was even worse. Throughout the week, fans wanted to believe in a comeback and in the magic of the Bernabéu, but the truth is that the absence of football once again reigned supreme as the Whites fell 1-2 to Mikel Arteta’s side.
It is now time to focus on the Cup final against Barça and not give up on the league title to the Catalans too soon. Currently, after narrowly beating Deportivo Alavés last week with a goal from Camavinga, the Whites are second, four points behind FC Barcelona, who play on Saturday, so Real Madrid will already know what their rivals have done against Celta. Whatever the Catalans do, Carlos Ancelotti’s men have to win to stay in contention.
They will be looking for victory against a very fit Athletic side that reached the Europa League semi-finals this week. After knocking Rangers out of the Europa League quarter-finals, the Lions will play in the semi-finals of a European competition for the third time in their history. On this occasion, they will face Manchester United.
In La Liga, Athletic also need the three points to avoid losing fourth place and keep their chances of fighting Atlético Madrid for third place alive. The Lions returned to winning ways last weekend after two draws and will be looking for their second consecutive victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In the first leg, a meteoric Athletic Club deservedly defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the clásico at San Mamés on a night full of emotions. Ancelotti’s team was outplayed from north to south and east to west. To make matters worse, it further undermined the self-esteem of Mbappé, who missed a penalty at the start of a season that has been more shadow than light for the Frenchman.
Without Mbappé, but Lunin returns
Ancelotti will be without Mbappé for this match due to suspension and injury. Mendy, Carvajal, and Eder Militao are also still in the infirmary. Lunin is back in action after recovering from his injury.
Possible Real Madrid lineup
Goalkeeper: Courtois
Defenders: Fran García, Rüdiger, Asencio, Valverde
Midfielders: Camavinga, Modric or Ceballos and Bellingham
Forwards: Rodrygo, Vinicius and Endrick
Valverde to rotate
Ahead of the clash, Rojiblanco coach Ernesto Valverde will have to rotate his squad due to the effort made by the team in last Thursday’s Europa League match against Rangers. Iñaki Williams is doubtful after pulling out of the last league game against Rayo Vallecano with muscle discomfort. Yuri Berchiche is also out. The left-back is still recovering from the injury he suffered two weeks ago against Villarreal.
Possible Athletic XI
Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
Defenders: Adama, Paredes, Vivian, Gorosabel
Midfielders: Beñat Prados, Sancet, Vesga or Jauregizar
Forwards: Berenguer or Nico Williams, Djaló; Guruzeta