<h3>Güler headlines Madrid’s reshuffled attack</h3>
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Real Madrid returned to LaLiga action with a heavily rotated lineup against Leganés, leaving several big names on the bench. Among them, Vinícius Júnior and Fede Valverde were not included in the starting XI, alongside fellow internationals Rodrygo and Endrick, all of whom returned to Madrid after a demanding international window with Brazil and Uruguay respectively.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti made the call to rest several of his regular starters, mindful of a tight schedule that includes three matches in one week. With a Copa del Rey semifinal on the horizon this Tuesday, the Italian manager chose to manage minutes and prioritize player fitness for the decisive stretch.
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<figure data-asset-id="32727421-35ff-4cd5-b976-8fd29db8a679" data-image-id="32727421-35ff-4cd5-b976-8fd29db8a679"><img src="https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/31dbcbc6-da4c-0033-328a-d7621d0fa726/93fab049-bbda-4b79-b108-fefb32920060/2025-03-12T223016Z_1666308328_UP1EL3C1QIENL_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-CHAMPIONS-ATM-RMA-REPORT.JPG" data-asset-id="32727421-35ff-4cd5-b976-8fd29db8a679" data-image-id="32727421-35ff-4cd5-b976-8fd29db8a679" alt="Soccer Football - Champions League - Round of 16 - Second Leg - Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid - Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - March 12, 2025 Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior with coach Carlo Ancelotti after being substituted REUTERS/Susana Vera
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The most notable inclusion was young Turkish talent Arda Güler, who was handed a rare start in the attacking trio alongside Brahim Díaz and star forward Kylian Mbappé. In midfield, Luka Modrić took the reins, partnered with Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham.
<h3>Lunin steps in for Courtois; Modrić leads the midfield</h3>
With Thibaut Courtois sidelined due to a muscle issue, Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin was called upon to start in goal. Antonio Rüdiger returned to anchor the defense, flanked by Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, and Fran García.
On the other side, Leganés made adjustments of their own. Diego García started up front after missing out on the previous game against Real Betis, and the home side fielded five midfielders to help stifle Madrid’s offensive threats.
This lineup shuffle is part of Ancelotti’s plan to maintain peak performance during a busy period in the season. By resting players like Vinícius and Valverde, the Madrid boss is betting on long-term consistency rather than short-term intensity.
Despite their absence from the starting XI, both players remain crucial for Real Madrid’s title ambitions. Their rest is not a punishment, but a strategic move as the club continues to juggle domestic and international competitions in the final stretch of the season.

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Why Vinícius, Courtois and Valverde Are Not Starting for Real Madrid Against Leganés

Ancelotti opts for rotation and rests key players after the international break.

Güler headlines Madrid’s reshuffled attack

Real Madrid CF

CD Leganés

LaLiga

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