Fresh from storming to Spanish Super Cup success, Real Madrid will square up with cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey round of 16 clash at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on Thursday evening.
Vinicius Jr. scored a first-half hat-trick as Real Madrid beat 10-man Barcelona 4-1 to win the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh. Victory was Los Blancos’ third straight in El Clasico and gave them a 13th Super Cup success—one behind Barcelona’s record 14 wins.
Following the Super Cup triumph, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are high in confidence and will be hoping to build on the weekend’s performance when they face Atletico Madrid, who should be raring to avenge their Spanish Super Cup semi-final elimination last week.
Real Madrid Team News
Lucas Vazquez suffered a hamstring injury during Real Madrid’s comfortable 3-1 win over Arandina in the last 32 of the Copa del Rey earlier this month, ruling him out for several weeks. He has joined long-term absentees Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba and Eder Militao in the treatment room.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup vs Atletico Madrid (4-3-1-2)
Goalkeeper
Carlo Ancelotti has continued to rotate between Kepa Arrizabalaga and Andriy Lunin following the former’s return from injury. He handed Kepa a starting spot for Real’s 5-3 Spanish Super Cup semi-final win over Atletico Madrid but opted to start Lunin in the final against Barcelona.
Before the Super Cup final on Sunday, the Real boss claimed that Lunin will start in goal against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey round of 16.
Defence
Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy will operate as the full-backs for Real Madrid, and they will look to join the attack at every possible opportunity. They will also look to help out the centre-back pairing of Antonio Rudiger and Nacho when the opposition are in possession.
Real’s defensive quartet must stay tight and disciplined throughout the game and avoid giving any space for Atletico attackers to thrive in and around the box.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni will be the holding midfielder and he will have the support of Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde. The trio will look to ensure Atletico’s midfielders do not get time and space on the ball to launch quick and dangerous counter-attacks.
Jude Bellingham will start at the tip of the diamond and look to continue his rollicking goalscoring run. The England international will get the license to roam around on the pitch and create openings for Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes in the box.
Attack
Fresh from a fine hat-trick against Barcelona, Vinicius Jr.’s confidence will be sky-high when facing Atletico in midweek. He will look to combine with his Brazilian compatriot Rodrygo and cause all kinds of problems for Atletico’s defence.
Joselu, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz may get involved off the bench at some point in the game.
