Alonso Seeks Revenge as Real Madrid Prepares Battle Formation Against Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid's journey toward Spanish Super Cup triumph kicks off against city rivals Atlético Madrid this Thursday evening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Twelve months ago, Los Blancos harbored hopes of capturing the Spanish Super Cup during Carlo Ancelotti's concluding season as manager. Instead, they endured a crushing 5–2 loss in the final to Barcelona—matching the exact scoreline from the initial Madrid derby under Xabi Alonso's leadership.
The disappointing display Real Madrid delivered against Los Colchoneros in September served as the first warning sign of trouble brewing at the Bernabéu. Four months on, Alonso's position hangs in the balance while the club sits four points behind Barcelona in La Liga's championship chase.
Everything could be pardoned—temporarily—should the 15-time European champions depart Saudi Arabia with a trophy, but initially, they must overcome Diego Simeone's squad without the sidelined Kylian Mbappé and Éder Militão, plus Brahim Díaz, who continues competing in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Atletico Madrid (4-4-2)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—Allowing five goals against Atlético Madrid in September marked a blemish on an otherwise outstanding campaign from Courtois—a memory he'll be determined to overcome.
RB: Federico Valverde—While Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold may have traveled to Saudi Arabia, neither player has achieved complete match readiness, giving Valverde the starting role.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger—Rüdiger's physical presence could prove decisive in Thursday's encounter, provided the German defender maintains composure and avoids careless errors.
CB: Dean Huijsen—The Spanish defender is set to make his debut appearance of the new year following his weekend absence due to a slight injury. Raúl Asencio moves to the substitute bench.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—The fullback endured his poorest performance in Real Madrid colors against Atlético Madrid. Carreras needs improvement to contain Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sørloth in this rematch.
RM: Rodrygo—Following a disappointing season opening, Rodrygo has emerged as Los Blancos' most threatening and inventive attacking force. The Brazilian recorded five goal contributions across his previous four starting appearances.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga—Real Madrid displays greater equilibrium with Camavinga in the starting eleven. Arda Güler steps aside once more for the French midfielder, who delivered a flawless performance in his comeback against Real Betis.
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—What appeared to be an injury concern over the weekend proved to be merely that—a concern. Tchouaméni completed full training sessions preparing for the Spanish Super Cup and will again stabilize Alonso's midfield.
LM: Jude Bellingham—The English midfielder was rushed into September's Madrid derby before achieving full fitness. Four months later, Bellingham has returned to peak form and seeks a redemptive showing on Thursday night.
ST: Gonzalo García—Mbappé's unavailability creates another opportunity for Gonzalo to spearhead Alonso's offensive line. The Real Madrid Castilla graduate will carry high confidence after scoring a flawless hat trick against Real Betis.
ST: Vinicius Junior—Expectations continue building around the Brazilian forward, who has endured 15 matches without finding the net. Competing in Jeddah, however, might offer Vinicius Jr temporary relief from the persistent jeers following him throughout Spain.
