Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction for Supercopa Final vs. Athletic Bilbao

CM Toni Kroos

Although Gavi posted a now-deleted Instagram photo at his expense and some fans remarked that Toni Kroos was average by his standards, the reality is that Kroos played very well in another Clasico. His standards are so high. Kroos completed 97 percent of his passes and did an important job of keeping the game ticking over without Alaba behind him. The stability Kroos provides matters so much, and it will be vital this weekend in the Supercopa final. Vinicius has definitely helped Kroos and his midfield counterpart Modric find a capable recipient for their teasing passes.

DM Casemiro

Casemiro is another must-start for Real Madrid. The criticisms of the Brazilian defensive midfielder have grown too harsh. Los Blancos are indisputably better with him in the lineup, provided he is not fully drained of stamina. His toughness is a defining trait in matches like this, knowing the fight Athletic Bilbao will bring with a title on the line – against their historic rivals, of all teams. He is an underrated candidate to be Man of the Match, as he is another player who can show his full qualities in a final.

CM Luka Modric

The masterful performances just keep coming from Luka Modric, who has obviously earned an extension from Real Madrid. Modric is a strong Man of the Match candidate against Athletic Club. These are the matches in which his defensive contributions, ball-carrying, and magic in tight spaces as a passer and dribbler matter so much. Athletic Bilbao know how to suffocate the middle of the pitch, so Modric’s ability to use a defensive player’s bodyweight against them and ability to manufacture space will eventually lead to a goal or two in the final tally for Real.