Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to stick with the same lineup he used in the UEFA Super Cup final when his team takes on Mallorca in their opening game of the La Liga season, according to a report from MARCA.
Just a few days ago, Real Madrid kicked off a new season packed with matches and opportunities to compete for six more titles.
This season will be especially challenging, as the team will need to find a way to replace Toni Kroos and gradually integrate young talents like Arda Guler, Endrick, and Brahim Diaz into the lineup.
Ancelotti’s XI in Super Cup
In the Super Cup final, Ancelotti’s choice of players worked perfectly. Thibaut Courtois was the man between the posts, while the defence was solidly held by Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy.
Although Eduardo Camavinga was absent due to injury, the midfield was well-controlled by Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Jude Bellingham.
Up front, the attacking trio of Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Júnior proved to be highly effective, causing problems for the opposition’s defence.
Ancelotti loves to stick to the same XI
It is important to remember that last season, Ancelotti showed a clear preference for maintaining a consistent starting lineup, making only minor adjustments when necessary due to injuries or tactical needs, particularly in the midfield.
In the first three matches of the 2023/24 season, Ancelotti stuck to a nearly unchanged starting XI, indicating his belief in a stable lineup to build early momentum.
Ancelotti’s tendency to rely on a fixed lineup in the opening matches is likely to continue, with him opting for the same starting eleven from the European Super Cup for the first La Liga match.
However, the coach will need to carefully manage his squad over the long season. A few players who only saw limited minutes in the Super Cup, and Endrick, who is yet to make his debut, will need to be gradually introduced into the team to gain valuable experience.