Supercopa de Espana
Jan 14, 2024 7.00pm
4
1
HT : 3 1
FT KSU Soccer Stadium
  • Vinicius Junior 7' goal
  • Vinicius Junior 10' goal
  • Vinicius Junior 39' goal
  • Jude Bellingham 43' yellowcard
  • Antonio Rudiger 62' yellowcard
  • Rodrygo 64' goal
  • goal Robert Lewandowski 33'
  • yellowcard Ronald Araujo 37'
  • yellowcard Sergi Roberto 39'
  • redcard Ronald Araujo 71'

How Real Madrid could line up against Barcelona

How Real Madrid could line up against Barcelona

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will have to decide whether to stick with Kepa Arrizabalaga for Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final against El Clasico rivals Barcelona.

Kepa drew criticism after failing to deal with a cross which ultimately led to Atletico Madrid's third goal in Wednesday's semi-final clash.

Although Real Madrid went on to win 5-3 after extra time, Ancelotti could be tempted to drop Kepa and bring in 24-year-old shot-stopper Andriy Lunin.

The Real Madrid head coach is still unable to call upon his first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is a long-term absentee alongside Eder Militao and David Alaba.

Full-back Lucas Vazquez will also miss out after missing the club's last two competitive matches with a hamstring problem.

If Lunin gets the nod, he is likely to be shielded by a back four of Dani Carvajal, Nacho, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy – the latter of whom returned from injury to score in Wednesday's gripping Madrid derby.

Federico Valverde was forced off with a knock in the first half of extra time against Atleti, but the Uruguayan will shake off any fitness issues to take his place in the midfield.

While Toni Kroos is pushing for a starting place, Ancelotti may decide to stick with Luka Modric and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Jude Bellingham scored a brace in October's 2-1 win over Barcelona, and the England international will be looking to play another decisive role when he lines up just behind Real Madrid's front two.

Vinicius Junior, who has played two matches since returning from injury, will retain his place in the forward line, but given his recent spell on the sidelines, he is unlikely to last the full duration of Sunday's contest.

The Brazilian will be joined in attack by his compatriot Rodrygo, who is hoping to score for the first time in the Spanish Super Cup after failing to do so in his previous six appearances in the competition.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius

> Click here to see how Barcelona could line up for this fixture

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