Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey for the first time in nine years and now turn their attention to the Champions League when they host Manchester City. They could yet still make it a double-winning season should they retain the Champions League title they won last year. But Manchester City, they have the harder semi-final tie. Here is the Real starting XI Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to remain at the Bernabeu no matter what next season, could pick.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – This season, he has kept five clean sheets in eight games in the Champions League, including three straight.
RB: Dani Carvajal – The only Champions League match the full-back has missed for Real Madrid this season was during the group stage. He has started every knockout game thus far.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Due to Eder Militao’s ban, likely to reclaim a starting position.
CB: David Alaba – After missing the previous four La Liga games due to nagging fitness difficulties, he played the full 90 minutes in the Copa del Rey championship game.
LB: Eduardo Camavinga –Due to his higher speed and athleticism in comparison to City’s explosive attacking threats, the young Frenchman may be chosen over Nacho.
CM: Federico Valverde – The previous two La Liga games have seen him sit on the sidelines, but he has continued to start every game in the Champions League and participated in the whole Copa final.
CM: Toni Kroos – Should be rested after failing to play the full 90 minutes in La Liga recently and being given priority for the Champions League.
CM: Luka Modric – Has pledged his future to Real for the upcoming campaign and shares Kroos’ predicament in terms of playing in a variety of competitions.
RW: Rodrygo –Previous season, and will be encouraged by that fact, scored the two critical late goals that forced extra time in this Champions League match.
ST: Karim Benzema – Has experience scoring against English clubs, having scored twice against Liverpool and twice against Chelsea in the previous rounds.
LW: Vinicius Junior – The Brazilian has only failed to score or provide an assist in a Champions League game once this season—against Shakhtar Donetsk in the group stage.
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