Mbappe, Rodrygo start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid can line up against Barcelona | OneFootball

The moment of truth is upon Xabi Alonso as he challenges for his first trophy at Real Madrid, facing off against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah.

The Spanish tactician, having taken over the reins of the team back in June last year, was only able to lead the team to the semifinal of the FIFA Club World Cup during the summer.

Once the new season started, it has been anything but smooth sailing for Alonso, with inconsistent performances, poor results, injuries, and dressing room disarray, have all left him under monumental pressure.

The semifinal win over Atletico Madrid earlier in the week has seemingly ensured his continuity as manager for the time being, even if the Merengues falter in the final tonight.

But having already beaten Barcelona once in La Liga this season, Alonso will be gunning for his second El Clasico victory and, in turn, his first trophy as Real Madrid manager.

Injuries, though, continue to be a concern for Real Madrid, but they have been handed some positive news as Kylian Mbappe, Raul Asencio, and Rodrygo Goes are all expected to be available, along with Antonio Rudiger.

Ferland Mendy, however, has suffered calf discomfort and is unlikely to be available, while Trent Alexander-Arnold remains unavailable. As such, this is how Alonso could set his team up to face Barcelona in his first final as Real Madrid boss.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois has come up clutch time and again for Real Madrid in big games and the club will hope for another huge performance from the Belgian international in the final.

As for the defensive line, despite Dani Carvajal pushing to feature, Alonso is unlikely to take that risk in the final, considering the captain has not played since October. As such, Los Blancos are likely to stick with Federico Valverde as the right-back against Barcelona.

At centre-back, Raul Asencio will start again, after it was confirmed that he had not sustained an injury in the semifinal win against Atletico. The big question for the manager is to decide who partners the Spaniard.

Dean Huijsen to start ahead of Antonio Rudiger? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Despite recent reports suggesting that Antonio Rudiger will be available, Dean Huijsen could end up getting the nod after training with the group on Saturday. Alvaro Carreras is the undisputed starter on the left.

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni has been a permanent fixture game after game for Alonso in the Real Madrid midfield and will once again feature from the get-go against Barcelona.

The French international will be supported by his compatriot Eduardo Camavinga, who has now moved ahead of Arda Guler in the pecking order. The final slot in the centre of the park will be taken up by Jude Bellingham.

How the three fare against the Barcelona midfield unit of Pedri, Fermin Lopez, and Frenkie de Jong will likely have a huge say on the outcome of the match.

Attack

Vinicius Jr. is a guaranteed starter on the left and will hope to end his long-running rut in front of goal.

Meanwhile, his compatriot Rodrygo Goes is fit and ready after picking up a knock in the semifinal. The Brazilian ace, who was on target against Atletico Madrid, should start again on the right, ahead of Franco Mastantuono and Arda Guler.

Kylian Mbappe, having flown to Saudi Arabia after missing the semifinal with injury and trained with the team on Saturday, is expected to start as the striker despite there being some risk with his fitness. Gonzalo Garcia will make way.