Regardless of Girona’s impressive unexpectedness, Madrid’s unwavering uniformity allowed them to finish 2023 at the very top of La Liga with only a single loss across every single competition.
Real Madrid’s Expected Lineup Against Mallorca
Thus far this season, Carlo Ancelotti has conducted a player development clinic. Los Blancos have been able to advance past Karim Benzema thanks to his restructuring of the system and Jude Bellingham’s effective insertion. Anticipation abounds in the atmosphere in Real Madrid as the very first whistling of 2024 reverberates through the sacred hallways of the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid is the current La Liga winner, and they play Mallorca, a tough underdog that wants to surprise everyone. But this evening, the eleven young warriors entrusted with protecting the dignity of Carlo Ancelotti’s crown will be the centre of attention. Here is a possible arrangement for Madrid’s opening match of 2024 in their own stadium against Mallorca, which is expected to feature several players returning from injury under the Italian coach.
On watch over the Galacticos:
Considering Thibaut Courtois out, attention turns to Andriy Lunin, an emerging Ukrainian goalie who has made an impression in Courtois’ shortage with his composed demeanour in goal. The sharpshooters of Mallorca will put his quickness and impulses to the test.
The seasoned Dani Carvajal is the cornerstone of the defence. His relentless behaviour will be seen tackling the ball down the right border and accurate crosses will be essential in wearing down Mallorca’s protection now that he is recovering from injury. Antonio Rudiger, who has aerial skill and tackling determination to create an unbreakable wall in the middle, is his solid partner.
A fascinating development stemming from Nacho’s removal is the unexpected choice of Aurelien Tchouameni to replace Rudiger. With his speed and tactical acumen, Tchouameni might be a masterstroke, giving Real Madrid’s defence an additional dimension of variability.
Fran Garcia, the dynamic young player who has gained Ancelotti’s trust with his interconnecting runs and resilient defence, completes the back four. His quickness will be essential to fending off Mallorca’s countermeasures.
Midfield Maestros:
The attacking midfield engine beats Toni Kroos’s metronomic pattern. He sets the pace with his skilled passing and strategic acumen, coordinating attacks and putting out threats. The evergreen Luka Modric works his spell next to him, effortlessly gaining access to opponent defences with a hint of craftsmanship through his 360-degree turns and moves.
The formidable trio is completed by the constantly present dynamo Federico Valverde. His quick runs and unwavering energy make him an absolute nightmare for opposing midfielders as they eliminate tackles while establishing space.
The Genius of Bellingham:
Jude Bellingham, the English sensation who since his arrival ignited the Bernabéu, lurks behind the midfield maestros. He has become the focal point of Real Madrid’s attack because of his vision, dribbling prowess, and knack for a game-winning pass. Anticipate him to dive deep, retrieve the ball, and use his skilful footwork to plan attacks.
Taking an Intense Aim:
Leading the charge is the highly proficient Rodrygo Goes. All season long, his lightning-fast speed and clinical ending have scared defences, so Mallorca’s defence line will have to be on the lookout for his scary runs and thunderous strikes. The seasoned striker for Mallorca, Joselu, adds dimension to the mix. Lunin’s objective might be threatened by his skill in the air and his natural poaching instincts.
The Tactical Arsenal of Ancelotti:
Ancelotti has a well-established tactical expertise. As they go on their assault, expect him to switch up his formation to a smooth 4-3-1-2, with Valverde encouraging all of the players to support both of his strikers. Mallorca’s compacted defence will be vulnerable to Real Madrid’s possessive style of play, which will be based on fast-adopting triangles and cutting motion.
Carvajal as well as Garcia, the fullbacks, are going to be urged to advance high in order to spread the defence and create broadness. Although Kroos and Modric’s encounter will guarantee authority and calmness in the midfield conflict, Bellingham’s inventiveness will be crucial in opening up the restricted areas.
Ancelotti may choose to play an aggressive press cautiously in order to impede Mallorca’s players in their respective halves and win possession back in risky situations. The addition of Tchouameni to an already strong backline could increase aerial supremacy.
The Challenge for Mallorca:
Mallorca is a formidable opponent, even though Real Madrid has more prominent players. Their experienced manager, Javier Aguirre, is renowned for his ability to organize the defence and launch counterattacks. With the nimble Dani Rodriguez and cunning Angelino on their wings, anticipate them to sit deep, withstand stressful circumstances, and strike Real Madrid on the next opportunity.
Real Madrid’s redesigned defence will struggle against Joselu’s aerial existence and aggressive behavioural patterns, while persistent tackling from the seasoned Salva Sevilla will attempt to stymie their midfield movement.