Jules Kounde and Vinicius Junior face off in a classic encounter
The moment of truth has arrived. Real Madrid take on Barcelona in a Clásico overshadowed by the recent turmoil within the white-clad squad. The tension between Tchouameni and Fede Valverde, lingering doubts over Mbappé’s attitude, and a series of leaks have created an earthquake of difficult-to-imagine proportions.
In the midst of all this comes one of the most important matches of the season. Hansi Flick’s side have the chance to clinch the league title against their archrivals, but Arbeloa’s men will do everything in their power to prevent that and improve their own image.
Real Madrid face the game with a lineup heavily affected by absences. In addition to the injuries of Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Arda Güler, and Fede Valverde, Kylian Mbappé has not traveled with the rest of his teammates this time around.
As a result, Arbeloa fields a makeshift starting eleven: Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, Fran García, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Camavinga, Brahim Díaz, Gonzalo García, and Vinicius Jr.
Initially, Huijsen was set to start, but he traveled with flu-like symptoms and, after not feeling 100% during warm-ups, Asencio will take his place.
Tchouameni and Fede Valverde in an archive image
/ Oscar J. Barroso / AFP7 / Europa Press – Archive
A notable presence in the lineup is Tchouameni. The Frenchman was fined €500,000 following his incident with Fede Valverde, but received no sporting punishment. Ultimately, Real Madrid’s coach has decided to start him against Barça, where he will play a key role in midfield alongside Bellingham and Camavinga, leaving Pitarch on the bench.
Up front, with Mbappé absent, Arbeloa has opted to include Brahim Díaz and Gonzalo García alongside Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian will serve as captain and offensive leader for a team that needs him more than ever.
