Report – Xabi Alonso likely to rest Real Madrid scoring machine vs Kairat Almaty | OneFootball

Real Madrid have undertaken a long journey to Kazakhstan to lock horns with Kairat Almaty in the UEFA Champions League and the game later today is expected to be a challenging one.

In terms of pure footballing and individual quality, the Spanish giants are clear favourites and several levels above their opponents.

What complicates the situation for Real Madrid, however, is the fatigue associated with the long travel, the time difference and the harsh climate at the venue.

A major decision

Keeping players’ welfare in mind, needless to say, is a priority for Xabi Alonso at this point in the season and he is expected to rotate his starting lineup later today.

According to a recent report from AS, the Real Madrid manager is set to rest Kylian Mbappe on the night and the Frenchman will thus not start for Los Blancos.

In all likelihood, it will be Vinicius Jr. and Franco Mastantuono starting in attack with the possibility of Gonzalo Garcia joining them.

Mbappe could be rested against Kairat Almaty. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The same outlet also furthers that Jude Bellingham is expected to start on the night in midfield for Real Madrid.

Given the rumoured changes, it is thus likely that the manager switches to a four-man midfield setup.

Bellingham may link up with Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler in midfield with the idea being to overpower the opponents in the middle of the park.

The Merengues will look to get the win against Kairat Almaty despite major rotations for it is only logical that the manager rests key players against a lesser-known opponent.

Mbappe, after all, has played in all seven league games for the team so far and averages 88 minutes per game.