The Mbappé-Vinícius duo secures Real Madrid's victory

Luka Modric opens the scoring with a stunning GOLAZO!

Ancelotti Makes Changes in Real Madrid’s Starting XI Against Girona

The inclusion of Lucas Vázquez, David Alaba, Luka Modric, and Brahim Díaz in Real Madrid’s starting lineup are the main changes made by Carlo Ancelotti for the match against Girona at the Santiago Bernabéu, as part of LaLiga’s Matchday 25. Meanwhile, Fede Valverde starts on the bench to get some rest.

With Jude Bellingham suspended, Ancelotti also gives a break to Fede Valverde, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Ceballos, who begin the match on the bench. Lucas Vázquez returns after recovering from a muscle injury, while Alaba makes his first start since suffering a severe knee injury on December 17, 2023.

On the other hand, Michel Sánchez fields a lineup with five defenders and no traditional striker, relying on Viktor Tsygankov and Arnaut Danjuma as his main offensive threats.

Starting Lineups

Real Madrid begins the match with: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Alaba, Raúl Asencio, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Modric, Brahim; Rodrygo, Vinícius, and Mbappé.

Meanwhile, Girona’s starting XI consists of: Paulo Gazzaniga, Arnau Martínez, David López, Daley Blind, Ladislav Krejčí, Miguel Gutiérrez; Oriol Romeu, Donny van de Beek, Iván Martín; Viktor Tsygankov, and Arnaut Danjuma.

Real Madrid returns to the Santiago Bernabéu just four days after its emphatic 3-1 victory over Manchester City. 

No Bellingham, but Ancelotti Has a Plan

Real Madrid will have to manage without Jude Bellingham, who will serve the first of a two-match suspension following his red card in Pamplona. According to referee José Luis Munuera Montero’s report, Bellingham used disrespectful language, claiming to have heard "fuck you," while the midfielder and the club insist he actually said "fuck off."