Real Madrid, having secured their spot in the Champions League last 16, is set to play against Valencia at home in a LaLiga clash on Saturday night for matchday 13 (9:30pm CET). With this being their third straight game at the Santiago Bernabéu, Ancelotti's squad aims to capture a win to maintain their pursuit of the league's top spot before the international break. A key to their potential victory will be sustaining their strong defensive record in LaLiga. To date, Real Madrid has the distinction of allowing the fewest goals in the league, with only eight conceded in the first 12 matchdays, and just two of those goals have been let in at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid have named their squad for the matchday 13 as follows:
REAL MADRID SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Lunin, Fran and Diego Piñeiro.
Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Nacho, Lucas V., Fran García, Mendy and Edgar.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Kroos, Modrić, Camavinga, Valverde and Nico Paz.
Forwards: Vini Jr., Rodrygo, Joselu and Brahim.
About the opponent: Heading into the 13th matchday, Baraja's Valencia holds the eighth position in the league, showcasing a mixed record of five wins, three draws, and four losses. They are currently on a commendable five-match unbeaten streak across LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, demonstrating resilience and consistency. The team's offensive strength is highlighted by Hugo Duro, who leads as their top scorer in the league with five goals. He is closely followed by Javi Guerra with three goals, while both Diego López and Pepelu have contributed two goals each. This scoring diversity has been a significant factor in Valencia's recent upturn in form, making them a formidable side in their upcoming fixtures.
Ancelotti speaks for the press
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press in the media room at Real Madrid City on the eve of the clash between Real Madrid and Valencia at the Santiago Bernabéu, on LaLiga matchday 13 (Saturday, 9:00pm CET). The coach reflected: “We have to keep up the good form we're showing recently. I like how Valencia play, they're a dynamic side, well organised. We'll have to play really well to take the three points. We've had very impressive levels in both defence and attack at times. We try to get that consistency over the course of the season and do the right things. We haven't always managed that. So far, I'm pretty happy with the work the team has done and how the defence has changed. Our attitude is good and now we have to find that consistency in everything we do”.
Bellingham: “We're looking at what happens tomorrow. The player feels good, he trained normally today and he's available. Provided nothing odd happens in the coming hours, I think he'll play”.
Contract renewals: “I'm not envious of the players renewing their deals with Real Madrid. We have time to discuss my renewal, but the future of this club is secure with these players. The present is the squad we have right now and the future lies in the hands of the young players. They're delighted to renew their contracts because they are very happy here”.
Valverde and the future of the squad: “I'm fortunate enough to work with players who have extraordinary ability, be that physical, technical, or in terms of personality and character. I'm very proud to coach Real Madrid. If the youngsters progress well, that's good for the club and for themselves. I think the lads are improving because they are very good players”.
Vini Jr.: “Vinicius and I haven't discussed what happened at Mestalla. We've spoken about Valencia who are a good side with real intensity. That's all we've done. We'll try and deliver our best possible performance tomorrow”.
Güler out again: “Unfortunately he picked something up ahead of the game against Braga. It didn't seem like anything serious but it's still bothering him. It's nothing important. The player is a bit down because he's young, he wants to play and to contribute. It's a set-back and a recurrence of his previous injury but we have the international break now to get him back fit”.
He continued: “The initial injury was a meniscus tear, it happened last year and he couldn't keep going anymore so he had surgery. When you have that on your meniscus, your posture changes and you put more strain on your good leg. It is quite common to see muscle issues in the recovery from a meniscus problem. That's what has happened but he has a beautiful future ahead of him and he's a hugely talented player. I understand he's disappointed but it's a slight muscle niggle. I can see why it is getting to him. The same thing happened to me when I was 21, I was out for two years, then I came back and my career continued. So Güler's future is not in any doubt. It's just a period of time and I hope he can recovery during the international break”.
Staying calm: “Arda has to remain relaxed and keep calm. Seeing the player a bit down is to be expected though. He's new here and he wants to contribute to the team. It's always difficult for an injured player because you come into Valdebebas, you see your teammates playing and you can't. I completely understand his sadness and frustration right now. We're sending him all our love and support. We're not rushing him, his future is here. He has unbelievable talent”.
System with and without the ball: “We haven't changed the system. We've altered things from a defensive point of view. We always defend with two lines of four. Compared to the pre-season games and those early in the campaign, it was a very clear diamond. Now, Bellingham's position is on the left-hand side. The defensive system has changed and we're seeing the results. We've managed to look solid and keep sheets in lots of games. Our system with the ball depends on the creativity of our players. Picking or establishing a system with the ball is very difficult. Sometimes we play with two, three or a bank of four players behind the central striker, which also depends on where Rodrygo and Bellingham are. But it's pretty clear without the ball because we're playing a 4-4-2”.
Visiting fans: “The fans who come here should come and be calm and just enjoy the game. I'm sure it will be a nice game because these are two very intense sides. The Valencia have to come here without any problem and just be calm”.
Goalkeepers: “There is always a debate in goal. Whenever Kepa has played, he's done a great job and the same goes for Lunin. It's always an open debate and that ensures there is competition. Each player can go through good or bad spells but they always have to be ready to play. Fran will be the second goalkeeper tomorrow. He's trained with us, he's making great progress and we have confidence in him. Cañizares is coming on well too”.
Comments