Real Madrid – Athletic Bilbao: Carlo Ancelotti’s Expected Starting XI, Without Mbappé

Following their commanding victory against Arsenal in the midweek Champions League fixture, Real Madrid now turn their attention back to the domestic league as they prepare to host Athletic Bilbao at the hallowed Santiago Bernabéu. This highly anticipated encounter forms part of the 32nd matchday of La Liga, a crucial juncture in the season where every point holds significant weight in the pursuit of the league title.

For this pivotal clash, Real Madrid’s astute manager, Carlo Ancelotti, faces the challenge of crafting a winning formula without the considerable talents of their star forward, Kylian Mbappé. The French international will be absent from the squad due to a suspension incurred following a contentious incident in their recent league match against Alavés. Adding to the setback, Mbappé is also currently nursing an injury, further compounding Ancelotti’s selection dilemmas.

With their Champions League commitments temporarily on hold, Real Madrid must now channel their full focus and energy into the league campaign. The looming presence of their fierce rivals, Barcelona, who currently hold a slender lead in the standings with 70 points, serves as a potent motivator for Ancelotti’s men, who sit just four points adrift with 66. The imperative for Real Madrid is clear: secure maximum points in every remaining fixture to maintain their title aspirations and prevent Barcelona from establishing an insurmountable advantage.

The upcoming match against Athletic Club de Bilbao carries added significance for Los Blancos, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. This previous setback will undoubtedly fuel their determination to secure a victory on home turf, not only to avenge the loss but also to inject a vital surge of confidence into the squad ahead of their highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.

Considering the enforced absence of Kylian Mbappé, Carlo Ancelotti faces a tactical conundrum as he seeks to construct a lineup capable of overcoming the challenge posed by Athletic Bilbao, who currently occupy a respectable fourth position in the league table. Mbappé’s suspension and injury represent a significant void in Real Madrid’s attacking prowess, compelling Ancelotti to revisit his strategic blueprint for this crucial encounter.

To mitigate the impact of Mbappé’s unavailability, the experienced Italian tactician might consider deploying a 4-4-2 diamond formation, a system that has previously proven effective for Real Madrid, showcasing its adaptability and ability to control the midfield while providing ample attacking options.

In this potential setup, the dynamic duo of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are likely to spearhead the attack, their speed, skill, and goal-scoring instincts posing a constant threat to opposition defenses. Operating just behind them, in the advanced playmaker role, Jude Bellingham’s exceptional vision, creativity, and ability to arrive late in the box would be instrumental in unlocking Athletic Bilbao’s defense.

Completing the midfield quartet, the robust presence of Aurélien Tchouaméni, the tireless energy of Federico Valverde, and the intricate passing ability of Dani Ceballos are anticipated to provide a balanced blend of defensive solidity and attacking impetus. Against a well-organized Athletic Bilbao side, a cohesive and industrious midfield unit will be crucial in dictating the tempo of the game and winning the crucial battles in the center of the park.

In the defensive third, the prolonged absence of Ferland Mendy opens the door for Fran Garcia to assume the left-back position, offering his pace and attacking forays down the flank. Alongside him, the central defensive partnership is expected to comprise the commanding presence of Antonio Rüdiger and the composed assurance of Nacho Fernández, tasked with providing a formidable barrier against Athletic Bilbao’s attacking endeavors. On the right side of the defense, the experienced captain, Lucas Vazquez, is likely to bring his tactical awareness and defensive resilience.

Between the posts, the undisputed presence of Thibaut Courtois provides Real Madrid with a sense of security and confidence. The Belgian international’s exceptional shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the penalty area are invaluable assets for Ancelotti’s side.

Therefore, the anticipated starting XI for Real Madrid against Athletic Bilbao is as follows: Thibaut Courtois in goal; Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho Fernández, and Fran Garcia forming the defensive line; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde anchoring the midfield; Jude Bellingham operating in the advanced playmaker role; and Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo leading the attack.

This tactical configuration reflects Ancelotti’s pragmatic approach, adapting to the enforced absence of a key player while maintaining a strong and balanced lineup capable of securing a vital victory against a formidable opponent. The match promises to be a captivating encounter, with Real Madrid determined to close the gap on Barcelona and reaffirm their title credentials.