Desperate Giants at San Mames
Two of Spain’s most storied giants, Real Madrid and Athletic Club, will clash at San Mames on Wednesday night at 21:00 CEST. Both teams are in desperate need of a positive result to reclaim their form and alleviate mounting pressure. For Athletic Club, known affectionately as Los Leones, a recent victory against Levante on Saturday marked only their second win in the past seven matches. This narrow win comes as a relief, but the team still faces the challenge of regaining the form that once made them a formidable force in La Liga.
Pressure Mounts on Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso, the manager of Real Madrid, is under increasing scrutiny following a concerning string of results. The team has secured just one win in their last four matches, a trend that has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about his tenure. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Raul Asencio returns to the squad after recovering from an injury, although the club is still grappling with a lengthy injury list. Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, and David Alaba are all absent due to various injuries, placing additional pressure on Alonso to navigate this challenging period.
Real Madrid’s Lineup and Strategy
In need of a crucial victory, Alonso is expected to field a strong lineup resembling the one that faced Barcelona in El Clasico at the end of October. The presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold offers flexibility, allowing Fede Valverde to move into midfield. According to Diario AS, Valverde is predicted to play on the right flank, while Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, and Aurelien Tchouameni will form the midfield trio. The fitness of Asencio is still under review, and he will compete with Eder Militao for a starting spot. This lineup is a mix of experience and youth, aiming to strike a balance between defensive solidity and attacking prowess.
Athletic Club’s Injury Woes
Ernesto Valverde, the manager of Athletic Club, is also dealing with a significant injury crisis. Oihan Sancet, a key player, is out of action, adding to the list of absentees. The Basque side will be without Yeray Alvarez, Robert Navarro, Maroan Sannadi, and possibly Inaki Williams, who is listed as a doubt. Despite these setbacks, there is a ray of light with Nico Williams returning to form. He is expected to start, providing a vital spark in the attack. Unai Gomez and Alex Berenguer will also feature, supporting Gorka Guruzeta up front, while Andoni Gorosabel is favored to play at right-back over summer signing Jesus Areso.
Striving for European Qualification
Athletic Club currently sits in eighth place, a far cry from the Champions League spots, which are 11 points away. However, the Europa League remains within reach, just four points distant. This match against Real Madrid is not just about pride; it is a crucial opportunity to narrow the gap and reassert their presence in the race for European qualification. The atmosphere at San Mames is expected to be electric, with the home fans desperate to see their team secure a much-needed victory.
A Battle of Resilience and Determination
As these two squads prepare to lock horns, both teams are acutely aware of the stakes. Real Madrid, with their illustrious history and current struggles, will be looking to Alonso to devise a plan that can turn their fortunes around. For Athletic Club, the match represents a chance to reclaim their identity and prove their resilience. The clash at San Mames promises to be a fiercely contested battle, with both sides bringing their best to the pitch in a bid to emerge victorious and silence their critics.
