The business end of the football season is around the corner, and Real Madrid generally tend to wake up around this time. it will be fun to see what this squad is capable of pulling off now that it is time to get serious.
There are more question marks around the starting XI against Atletico Madrid than Carlo Ancelotti would have liked, but if there is any man that could lead a big club through adversity, it is probably him.
Here is the XI that should start the biggest match of the season so far.
GK - Thibaut Courtois
No surprises there. Courtois, on his day, is the best goalkeeper in the world by quite some distance, and has saved Real Madrid countless times in this very competition. Expect him to keep his place in the competition for the forseeable future.
RB Fede Valverde
This was the biggest question mark Real Madrid would have to address for the Madrid derby: Would Valverde win the race against time to be fit for this match? The answer should be yes. He may not be at 100%, but Ancelotti will probably play him at right-back, because the difference between him and Lucas Vazquez right now is astronomical. Besides, we have seen plenty of positive reports about his fitness, and the Uruguayan participated in team training without facing problems on Monday.
CB Raul Asencio
Real Madrid's most in-form centre-back around should start against their city rivals. There is no reason for David Alaba to take his place, especially when he is not fully fit. Asencio has been Real Madrid's most impressive centre-back for a while, and this is a no-brainer. At least, it should be.
CB Antonio Rudiger
On his day, Rudiger is arguably the best centre-back in the world. He has struggled with fitness, but Rudiger shows up in big games. That, coupled with Real Madrid not having many options in his position, makes this a no-brainer as well.
LB Ferland Mendy
This is Real Madrid's weakest position on the pitch. Mendy is a defensive full-back, and everyone knows he will not provide much in the offense - even though he is coming off of an assist against Real Betis. Ancelotti tends to start him in big games, which is why he will keep his place.
CDM Aurelien Tchouameni
Tchouameni has been good for a couple of weeks - except for a bad performance against Real Betis - and Ancelotti will definitely look to have him at the base of midfield to dictate play and defend.
CM Luka Modric
One of the greatest midfielders of all time, Modric is set to start a Champions League knockout match nearing the age of 40. No matter which way you look at it, it is absolutely insane to think about. He would not start if everyone was fit, but he will retain his place after an average showing against Betis. Ancelotti could throw Brahim in his place, but I think he would rely on stability and push Modric a bit further forward.
CM Eduardo Camavinga
A big performance is required from the talented Frenchman. Still only 23, Camavinga has not had the best of seasons, but this could be the game that changes it all. A doubt most people have is whether Brahim starts over one of Camavinga and Modric, but I think Camavinga returns to the XI.
RW Rodrygo
Rodrygo defends incredibly well, and provides a lot of balance to the squad playing out of position. The Brazilian has been in good form this year, and is expected to start every big game. Obvious choice.
ST Kylian Mbappe
Easy choice. Mbappe is Real Madrid's top scorer, and just scored a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City. It could not get easier than this.
LW Vinicius Jr
Similar to Mbappe, Vinicius Jr is one of the biggest threats in world football, and he will retain his place in the starting XI. Vinicius Jr has not exactly reached his 2024 highs this year, but this would be the game to do it.