Real Madrid are back to La Liga action after demolishing Man City and securing a place in the Champions League last 16. ‘Los Blancos’ welcome Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu, aiming for three points that will bring them level with Barcelona, who sit at the top of the Spanish flight after a narrow win over Las Palmas last night.
The ‘Merengues have stagnated in the defence of their La Liga crown, suffering a defeat and two draws in their last three outings. Fortunately for Carlo Ancelotti, Girona are currently one of the most out-of-form Spanish sides, counting four losses from their last five domestic matches.
The hosts will be without Bellingham as he serves a two-match suspension handed for his infamous f*** off towards referee Munuera Montero last weekend against Osasuna. Defensive duo Carvajal and Militao make up the list of absentees for the clash as they are ruled out with long-term injuries.
David Alaba returns to Ancelotti’s starting lineup for the first time in 14 months. As for the visitors, Herrera is sidelined as he serves his suspension for a red card against Getafe last time out. Former Spurs forward Danjuma, who missed Girona’s last two matches with a muscle injury, could be sidelined again alongside striker Ruiz, who was also unavailable against Getafe.
Possible lineups for Real Madrid v Girona
Real Madrid CONFIRMED starting XI (4-3-3): Courtois (GK); Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Girona possible starting XI (3-4-3): Gazzaniga (GK); Lopez, Krejci, Blind; Martinez, Arthur, Romeu, Gutierrez; Tsygankov, Stuani, Gil.