Real Madrid predicted XI to face Atletico: Carvajal replaces Nacho

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VALLADOLID, SPAIN – JANUARY 26: Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid CF fights for the ball with Enes Unal of Real Valladolid during the Liga match between Real Valladolid CF and Real Madrid CF at Jose Zorrilla on January 26, 2020 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Xaume Olleros/Getty Images) /

Right-back: Dani Carvajal

Carvajal missed the last league match but I fully expect him to start in this match against Real Madrid’s biggest rivals. Carvajal is a very attack-orientated full-back who may be called upon if Atletico Madrid decide to play defensively, which wouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Centre back: Sergio Ramos

The man everyone loves to hate. Unless you’re a Real Madrid fan, of course.

Sergio Ramos will start this match and it will be his job to torment the Atletico Madrid strikers and not let them have a sniff of goal. You can have a pretty safe bet that he will succeed in both of those tasks, the first at least.

Centre back: Raphael Varane

Again, not a huge surprise. Varane is Ramos’ partner in crime and given how huge this match is, I can almost guarantee you that Zidane won’t make a rash decision to rest him. He has no reason to.

Varane is getting better every game and he has established himself as Real Madrid’s go-to defender. He is mature and the level of this game won’t faze him, he will simply focus on protecting his goalkeeper and clearing the ball when necessary.

Left-back: Ferland Mendy

I must admit, I was one of those that was a little sceptical when Real Madrid signed Ferland Mendy but he has completely proved me wrong.

Starting in 10 La Liga matches this season, I expect him to make another start in this one. He played extremely well against Valladolid, dribbling with ease and even attempting a number of crosses. He will be hoping for the same attacking freedom against Atleti but he will be mature enough to know he needs to stay back at times in this match.

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