For the recovery match, Real Madrid will host Athletic Club for matchday 9 of LaLiga Santander. The merengues will have an additional duel, in addition to the one they will play on Saturday; however, it is an opportunity for Carlo Ancelotti's team to increase the lead over their pursuer, Atlético de Madrid.
On the other hand, the Bilbao squad will try to break their five-match winless streak. The last time they tasted victory was against Villarreal CF on October 23, beating them 2-1. Since that game, they have had four draws and one defeat. If they earn three points, they would momentarily equal the score of FC Barcelona.
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Possible line-ups for Real Madrid vs. Athletic Club
'Carletto' Ancelotti would use his classic 4-3-3 formation, but there would be some changes in defense, as David Alaba has some knee discomfort and has been given a rest. Meanwhile, the midfield and forward would remain unchanged from the last match against Sevilla.
- Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal or Lucas Vázquez, Militao, Nacho, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Vinicius Jr., Asensio and Benzema.
Possible line-ups for Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid
The team of Marcelino García Toral would propose their 4-4-2 against the merengues, where Unai Núñez would replace Iñigo Martínez, who was sent off in the previous match. In addition, Álex Berenguer would not start as a starter, as he is not in his best form.
- Athletic Club: Unai Simón; Lekue, Nuñez, Yeray, Balenziaga; Nico Williams, Vencedor, Dani García, Muniain; Raúl García and Iñaki Williams.