Title: Ancelotti Unleashes Full-Strength Real Madrid Squad for Super Cup Showdown Against Barça
Straight up, Carlo Ancelotti plans to roll out the same squad that secured the Spanish Super Cup semifinal win when they lock horns with eternal foe FC Barcelona in the decider this Sunday. There were initial fears that key players Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, and Luka Modric might miss out due to injuries or illness. But fret not, folks, because the Italian tactician confirmed at the pre-match press conference on Saturday that all three are good to go. Modric, in particular, has shaken off a virus and is set to return to action.
With the team brimming with "great enthusiasm" and a "lot of desire," Ancelotti insists they're approaching the fixture with a positive mindset, even though Madrid suffered a 4-0 drubbing in their last meeting with Barcelona. The Italian coach is well aware that football is unpredictable and that anything can happen in a Clásico, especially in a final. But he's adamant that a loss wouldn't derail the squad's momentum.
La Liga leaders Barcelona have been slipping up lately, losing their six-point advantage at the summit and now trail Real Madrid by five points. However, it's tough to say who has the upper hand going into this encounter, as both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs.
Madrid "made a fairly clear assessment" following their home defeat in October and intend to avoid the mistakes they made in that match. The team will stick with the same lineup that dismantled Mallorca in the last game, featuring Thibaut Courtois in goal, Lucas Vazquez at right-back, and Aurelien Tchouameni paired with Antonio Rudiger in central defense. The midfield will be anchored by Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde, with Jude Bellingham more advanced. Rodrygo and Vinicius will bombard the wings, while Kylian Mbappe holds down the central position upfront.
So, here's the Real Madrid starting XI for the Spanish Super Cup final:
Courtois; Mendy, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Lucas Vazquez; Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrygo
With a wealth of talent at his disposal, Ancelotti is optimistic about his team's chances and eager for another trophy to add to their collection. So brush up on your "vamos, Real" chants and get ready for an epic Clásico showdown!
Ancelotti's Real Madrid will face Barcelona in La Liga's Spanish Super Cup final, with RCD Mallorca's Jude Bellingham also expected to feature for the defending champions. Despite a 4-0 loss in their last Clásico, Ancelotti's squad approaches the rematch with renewed enthusiasm and desire. The Italian coach has confirmed the availability of key players like Bellingham, Modric, and Valverde for the highly anticipated match.
