Xabi Alonso facing selection dilemmas ahead of Real Madrid vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Real Madrid will have a glorious opportunity to extend their lead over Barcelona as the two teams collide at Santiago Bernabeu this weekend.

The home side is heading into this contest with many unknowns, especially in the right-back position, where Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold may not be fully fit, despite returning in contention.

This will force Xabi Alonso to deploy Federico Valverde at right-back, which in turn, may have a domino effect in the team.

Xabi Alonso faces a selection dilemma vs Barcelona

As reported by AS, Alonso’s biggest decision revolves around how to compensate for Valverde’s shift out wide.

The Real Madrid boss must now choose between Eduardo Camavinga and Franco Mastantuono for the final midfield spot – a choice that could shape the entire rhythm of Sunday’s Clasico.

If Alonso opts for Camavinga, Madrid would gain strength, control, and pressing stability in the centre of the park.

Franco Mastantuono is pushing for a start against Barcelona this weekend. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The Frenchman’s presence alongside Tchouameni would give Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler greater attacking freedom, allowing the team to build through possession and dominate transitions.

Alternatively, starting young Argentine star Franco Mastantuono would signal a more offensive approach.

The Argentine brings unpredictability, creativity, and directness – traits that could expose Barcelona’s high defensive line and create space for Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe to exploit.

Meanwhile, at the back, Alonso will have to make a decision on Dean Huijsen, as he has only recently recovered from a muscle issue.

In case he is not risked, academy graduate Raul Asensio could once again step in to partner Eder Militao in central defence, just as he did against Juventus in the Champions League. Making the right decision, therefore, could be critical for Alonso this weekend.