Real Madrid is set to host Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu tonight at 21:00 CEST. A victory is crucial for Los Blancos to keep their slim title aspirations alive. However, the team is expected to undergo rotations, with an eye on their upcoming Champions League second-leg match against Bayern Munich in Germany next Thursday.
Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed the return of Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos from injury, and both are slated to see game time. Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao are also confirmed starters. Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo Goes remain unavailable. Meanwhile, Girona will be without their star striker, Vladyslav Vanat, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. He joins Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Juan Carlos, Donny van de Beek, and Cristian Portu on Girona’s injury list.
In addition to player absences due to injury, Arbeloa has made the decision to rest Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alvaro Carreras, leaving them out of the squad for this match ahead of next week’s crucial fixture.
Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao to Start
According to Diario AS, Dani Carvajal and Fran Garcia are expected to feature at the full-back positions. With Aurelien Tchouameni suspended for the return leg in Munich, Eduardo Camavinga will partner him in midfield. Fede Valverde, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe are all anticipated to retain their places in the starting eleven.
Daley Blind Unavailable for Girona
Dutch defender Daley Blind has also been ruled out of the Girona squad late on. Mundo Deportivo predicts that Vitor Reis and Alejandro Frances will form the central defensive pairing. With Vanat sidelined, Abel Ruiz is expected to take on the striker role. This is anticipated to be the only change from their previous 1-0 victory over Villarreal on Monday.
Michel Sanchez’s side has a bit more breathing room following their win against the Yellow Submarine, establishing an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone. Azzedine Ounahi has been in particularly impressive form for Girona recently.
