The fatigue and exhaustion accumulated after the last Champions League derby at the Metropolitano will determine Ancelotti’s starting eleven at the Estadio de La Cerámica.
Real Madrid faces another LaLiga matchday marked by little rest, less than 72 hours, compared to the Champions League derby at the Metropolitano.
The fatigue and exhaustion began to show seriously against Atlético Madrid, and with barely any time to recover, Real Madrid now has to face a Villarreal team that is always tough and difficult to beat at its stadium; so much so that Real Madrid hasn’t won a league game at the Estadio de La Cerámica since 2017 (six draws and one loss).
ROTATIONS FOR THE MOST TIRED
To alleviate exhaustion and try to get the three points, Carlo Ancelotti could rest some of his players and make some rotations. Vinicius did not train yesterday due to discomfort, and although he is in the squad and, according to Carletto, is ready to play, he is unlikely to start. Likewise, both Rüdiger and Valverde could remain on the bench to recharge; Lucas and Alaba are tipped to start in the German and Uruguayan positions. Modric could remain in the Italian coach’s lineup, who will have to deal with the already known absences of Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Jesús Vallejo, and Dani Ceballos, as well as the latest setback for Ferland Mendy, who was injured at the Metropolitano and will be sidelined for a month. Fran García will be the Frenchman’s replacement.
For Villarreal, Marcelino García Toral will rely primarily on his two biggest stars: Ayoze Pérez and Álex Baena. Both will be regulars in a starting lineup in which Comesaña and Parejo are competing for positions alongside Gueye in midfield, while Barry and Pepé are likely to partner Ayoze in attack.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS FOR VILLARREAL vs. REAL MADRID
Possible Villarreal lineup: Diego Conde; Foyth, Kambwala, Logan Costa, Cardona; Gueye, Parejo, Yeremy Pino, Baena; Pepe, and Ayoze.
Possible Real Madrid lineup: Courtois; Lucas, Asencio, Alaba, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Modric; Brahim, Mbappé, and Rodrygo.
