Real Madrid Starting Lineup: Updated Roster & Starting 11

The Real Madrid starting lineup is set for their (2/4/24) matchup against crosstown rivals Atlético Madrid. After a comfortable road win over Getafe, Carlo Ancelotti will be sure play his top talent for a tremendous clash with Atlético. Find analysis of Read Madrid’s roster below along with updated starting 11 information.

Real Madrid Starting 11 Vs. Atlético Madrid

• GK- Andriy Lunin (Ukraine)
• LB- Fran García (Spain)
• CB- Nacho Fernández (Spain)
• CB- Antonio Rüdiger (Germany)
• RB- Dani Carvajal (Spain)
• MF- Eduardo Camavinga (France)
• MF- Fede Valverde (Uruguay)
• MF- Toni Kroos (Germany)
• CAM- Jude Bellingham (England)
• ST- Vinicius Jr. (Brazil)
• ST- Rodrygo (Brazil)

Despite coming off a season where they won the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup, very few Madrid fans or figures associated with the club are all that happy. That’s the blessing and the curse of being the World’s most successful club; it’s not easy to meet expectations. Making matters worse, Madrid’s domestic failure last year meant a La Liga title for rivals Barcelona and their UCL loss allowed a new champion in traditional outsiders Manchester City.

This year — with legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti signed to a contract extension — Los Blancos are perfect in European competition and back in the thick of a title race, albeit with an unfamiliar foe in Girona. Madrid’s only loss on the season was a road defeat to crosstown rivals Atlético, placing them just a point behind Girona in second place. Still, they’ve played one fewer game than the league leaders thus far, so they surely still control their own destiny. Ancelotti’s squad has already traveled to Girona and won 3-0, so there will certainly be plenty of eyes on the next matchup between the two clubs in February.

Madrid was knocked out of the Copa Del Ray in a wild Round of 16 match against Atléti. They’ll hope for a better performance in the same stage of the Champions League, in which they’re set to face RB Leipzig in a two-legged tie across February and March. That said, the immediate priority is La Liga, as Madrid has four domestic contests before they return to continental play where they will face Leipzig.

The most eye-catching name on this lineup is the very first, as it is not Thibaut Courtois — the star goalkeeper from Belgium. So much of Madrid’s recent success has been built off of the greatness of Courtois, but he’s out for the long term with an ACL injury. With Courtois unavailable, Ukrainian international and longtime backup Andriy Lunin along with polarizing Spanish keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga have split the duties.

The rest of the roster is largely intact, other than some key defensive injuries. Madrid has been showing a two-striker front with star newcomer Jude Bellingham as the underlying pivot point rather than a traditional striker with wingers on each side. One key missing player for this match in particular will be the versatile young French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who picked up his fifth yellow card in the 92nd minute against Getafe, and will be suspended for this massive match. Expect his countryman Eduardo Camavinga to step into his position.

Matches in February don’t get much bigger than this one, a rivalry derby in the midst of a tight title race. Madrid need every point they can get at this point, so expect Ancelotti to name the strongest-possible XI for this road fixture.

Real Madrid Position Groups

The Real Madrid roster, as with any soccer roster, features 4 separate position groups — Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders, and Forwards. Below is a brief breakdown of each that aims to provide insight into how they stack up against other competition in La Liga, UCL, and domestic cups.

Real Madrid Goalkeepers

Courtois is perhaps the team’s biggest star, but — with his injury — it’s up to Kepa Arrizabalaga and Andriy Lunin to keep the ship steady. Kepa has some experience in big matches, while Lunin has been out on several loans.

Real Madrid Defenders

With injuries to key central defenders Éder Militão and David Alaba, Madrid’s back line has been stretched a bit thin. Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger are still around to provide a veteran presence for this group, while Nacho Fernández and Ferland Mendy round out the group of players we can expect to see regularly as Madrid’s defensive corps gets healthier.

Real Madrid Midfielders

Madrid’s success has so often been driven by strong midfield play. Even with stars like Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić getting older and Eduardo Camavinga dealing with some nagging injuries, there’s plenty of talent to go around in this position group. Jude Bellingham has injected new life into the unit with some truly tremendous performances, while versatile France star Aurélien Tchouaméni provides support wherever he’s needed, although he is suspended against Atléti.

Real Madrid Forwards

The forwards aren’t a broad group for Madrid after the exit of Benzema, but there’s still some major talent on this squad. 2022 UCL hero Rodrygo is featured in a more prominent role than ever, while Vinicius Jr. continues to be a major cog for Madrid’s attacking machine. Brahim Díaz and Joselu provide a bit of depth, but neither has been given a significant amount of time on the pitch.

Real Madrid Full Roster

Real Madrid Starting 11 FAQ

• Who Is Real Madrid’s Starting Goalkeeper?
• Who Is Real Madrid’s Starting Striker?
• Who Is Real Madrid’s Best Player?

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