Real Madrid could be in for a slightly frosty welcome from their own supporters on Sunday, as they return to domestic action against Athletic Club, following a painful European exit.
Well beaten by Arsenal over the two legs, and largely unimpressive in La Liga in recent months, Carlo Ancelotti’s reign is in danger of drawing to a disappointing end. That’s unless they can bounce back very quickly in what’s shaping up to be a decisive week in terms of their domestic commitments.
The Copa del Rey final against Barcelona is next weekend, but they need to win their two league games prior to that. They’ve been doing just enough of late in the Spanish top flight, with four of their last five league matches ending in one-goal victories for Los Blancos.
Athletic are certainly no pushovers, with Ernesto Valverde’s side almost guaranteed to secure Champions League qualification from this position. They saw off Rangers in Europe on Thursday night to set up a Europa League semi-final showdown with Manchester United, and they have only lost four matches all season in La Liga.
Having won the reverse fixture 2-1 at San Mames, Athletic could do the double over the side from the Spanish capital on Sunday. They’ve only picked up one point from their last four away games against Real Madrid though, so recent history doesn’t offer them a great deal of encouragement.
Mbappe is both suspended and injured, while Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao also continue their recoveries from injury. Real Madrid also have a doubt over left-back Ferland Mendy.
As for Athletic, they should have a full squad available, with Yuri expected to be fit to feature if required. Valverde is likely to rotate in many positions after their European game on Thursday night, with Unai Simon among those set to return in goal.
Real Madrid: Courtois, F. Garcia, Rudiger, Asencio, Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Ceballos, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Athletic Club: Simon, Yuri, Paredes, Vivian, Gorosabel, Prados, Ruiz de Galarreta, Berenguer, U. Gomez, I. Williams, Guruzeta.
