Real Madrid’s undefeated streak continues. Los Blancos took care of business against Inter Milan in the Champions League, winning 2-0 after beautiful goals from Toni Kroos and Marco Asensio to go with another defensive masterclass from Eder Militao. This Champions League victory comes after another thoroughly professional win over a tough opponent this weekend, as the Merengue club defeated Real Sociedad 2-0 at the Anoeta Stadium.
Los Blancos will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu this coming weekend for an even more pivotal match in the La Liga title race against last season’s champions, Atletico Madrid. In 2020-2021, Real were locked in a battle for the ages with Atleti, and while they never lost to Los Rojiblancos, a late goal from Luis Suarez on the final day of the season led to Atleti securing the title.
On Matchday 17, Real Madrid will be out for a convincing victory in El Derbi that proves they are indeed the clear top team in La Liga. Here is a look at how they could potentially line up.
GK Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois is riding a streak of three straight clean sheets, though the recent two wins were, thankfully, less eventful for the top keeper than his carry-job against Athletic Bilbao. He will likely have to make a couple of top saves on Sunday night.
LB Ferland Mendy
Ferland Mendy is undoubtedly Carlo Ancelotti’s top choice at left back and will start in every important match for Real. He should have his hands full against the likes of Marcos Llorente, Angel Correa, and Antoine Griezmann.
CB David Alaba
David Alaba is as consistent as they come in central defense. His leadership skills and quality in adding to the attack will be especially vital against a tough, stingy Atletico Madrid team that always knows how to defend against Real Madrid.
CB Eder Militao
There have been a lot of good performances from Real Madrid players lately, but nobody is in better form than the right center back, Eder Militao. He was a 10 out of 10 against La Real and a 9.5 vs. Inter Milan on Tuesday night. Militao is a wall and the perfect recovery defender. Not only does he read the game well defensively, but he is also great at picking out dangerous long passes to the forwards.
RB Dani Carvajal
After a poor performance the previous weekend vs. Sevilla, Dani Carvajal rested and bounced back. He was phenomenal against Inter, leading the team with four key passes. Carvajal still wants to lay claim to being the best right back in the world. Last year around this team, he was fantastic in El Derbi and scored a banger (technically it was a Jan Oblak own goal). Let’s see if he can have another top-level performance on a big stage.