Real Madrid continue their La Liga campaign on Sunday night, when Carlo Ancelotti takes his men to Levante.
Los Blancos pull in on match day two of the season as league leaders after beating Alaves 4-1 at home in their opening match. A Karim Benzema brace, as well as goals from Nacho Fernandez and Vinicius Junior, gave them the win that, after an unusually quiet transfer window, lifted the pessimistic mood into the 2021/22 campaign.
They now face a Levante side who sit eighth in La Liga with a 1-1 draw against Cadiz on match day one. So, in an attempt to make it two by two, here’s the page Ancelotti was able to go out on Sunday night.
Nacho was excellent against Alaves / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Thibaut Courtois (GK) – Undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers on the planet, Courtois saved his side on more than one occasion last term and will be the firm first choice between the stick this year.
Lucas Vazquez (RB) – Proved to be a reliable alternative on the right back last season and after starting the Real opener in Dani Carvajal’s absence, he will probably play there again.
Eder Militao (CB) – Had a shaky match last time and should not be considered the long-term option in the heart of the side defense, but with current injuries it starts again on Sunday.
Nacho Fernandez (CB) – This season may finally be the one for Nacho to step into the spotlight – will deservedly start again for Ancelotti at Levante.
David Alaba (LB) – The need for the Austrian in central defense was obvious at Alaves but with Ferland Mendy and Marcelo out of play he continues to the left.
Federico Valverde on the ball against Alaves / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Casemiro (DM) – There are not many defensive midfielders better than Casemiro, who is an integral part of this site and will be a key figure throughout the campaign.
Federico Valverde (CM) – His dynamism and versatility could be crucial to an otherwise aging Real midfield this season, and if Ancelotti continues to rate him, he will have a big campaign.
Isco (CM) – With Luka Modric joining Toni Kroos and Dani Ceballos on the sidelines, Ancelotti is running out of midfield options. This is a straight shoot-out between Isco and Marco Asensio.
Benzema is already in hot form / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce / Getty Images
Vinicius Junior (RW) – Ancelotti gave Gareth Bale his first Real Madrid start in over a year last time, but Vinicius did well off the bench and his goal should give him a start.
Karim Benzema (ST) – His importance to the site can not be underestimated – they need him. Already on two goals for the season, there is no way that Benzema will not start.
Eden Hazard (LW) – A healthy face in the excavation seems to benefit the Belgian. Played well in Los Blanco’s last outing and should keep his place in the side.
