Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid starting lineup: two big changes

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make two major changes to the starting line-up when his side host Real Valladolid at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

During his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Italian revealed that Jude Bellingham could be out of the game. The club later confirmed that the Englishman had suffered a muscle injury to his right leg in training that morning.

Points of sale such as ESPN have estimated his absence at a month, according to anonymous sources, and Bellingham expressed his frustration on social media about being sidelined.

“Nothing is more annoying than missing games, but I try to see the positive side of it and maybe my body is telling me it needs some more rest after a busy year,” the 21-year-old wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“I am very frustrated but I will support the boys as a fan until I can be with them again in my best and strongest form. Thank you for your messages of concern and support. Lots of love and Hala Madrid!”, Bellingham added.

The number 5 is on the sick list along with Eduardo Camavinga, which means there will be a major change in the attacking midfield.

Instead of experienced captain Luka Modric, Arda Guler, who impressed in pre-season, is the preferred starter for Bellingham in Los Blancos’ home La Liga debut in the 2024/25 season.

He will play alongside Fede Valverde, while pivot Aurelien Tchouameni sits behind the Turk and the Uruguayan in a 4-1-2-3 formation.

The attacking line consists of Vinicius Jr. on the left flank, while Rodrygo mans the right flank on the other side of number 9 Kylian Mbappe.

Ancelotti also had to make changes in defence following Ferland Mendy’s red card, which decided the decisive match in the 1-1 draw with Mallorca last Sunday.

Fran Garcia will then be the left-back, with Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger as central defenders, while Dani Carvajal starts at right-back.

Together they try to protect Thibaut Courtois’ goal as Madrid hunt for their first win of the season.

Real Madrid First XI Vs. Real Valladolid: Courtois; Fran, Rudiger, Militao, Carvajal; Tchouameni, Guler, Valverde; Vinicius Jr., Mbappe, Rodrygo