Real Madrid Shake Up Starting Lineup Before Copa del Rey Showdown
You can always count on Carlo Ancelotti to keep fans guessing, and this La Liga clash against Getafe is no different. Real Madrid have posted a starting XI that shows both tactical caution and a chance for some of the squad's promising youngsters to shine. With the pressure of a Copa del Rey final against Barcelona just around the corner, it’s clear the focus is on hitting that fixture with maximum energy and minimum risk.
The confirmed Real Madrid starting lineup features a few notable changes. Thibaut Courtois returns between the posts, anchoring a defense featuring Lucas Vázquez, Jesús Vallejo, David Alaba, and Fran García. That’s a blend of experience and names looking to lock down their spots for bigger occasions. In midfield, the dynamic trio of Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Arda Güler will look to control tempo, while Brahim Díaz fills the creative void left by more established stars. Attack is driven by Vinícius Jr. and rising sensation Endrick, each with something to prove as they carry Madrid’s hopes up front.
Probably the most eye-catching detail? Kylian Mbappé is nowhere in sight. He didn't travel with the squad as he keeps nursing an injury, dashing any hope for an early return just yet. Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rüdiger, reliable stalwarts, are left on the bench. It’s a calculated risk: keep legs fresh, but avoid a slip-up that could hurt Madrid’s La Liga standing. For Ancelotti, these choices are all about balancing priorities—with silverware at stake, nobody wants worn-out starters.
Youngsters Endrick and Arda Güler, in particular, must be feeling the nerves and excitement. Both have struggled for minutes since arriving in Spain but now get a golden opportunity under the brightest lights. Endrick’s direct play and Güler’s technical ability have excited fans in glimpses, but this could be their chance for a statement game. If they click, Madrid’s upcoming years could look very different from the aging lineups of seasons past.
Getafe, meanwhile, are the wild card here. They’ll sniff a chance to pounce on a rotated Madrid—especially if the unfamiliar XI struggles for cohesion. Madrid’s substitutes bench, stacked with stars ready to come on if things get dicey, gives some cushion, but Ancelotti will hope this new mix grabs control early. The risk? Too much shuffling and Madrid’s plans for both league and cup could unravel fast.
Madrid’s Rotation: Strategy or Gamble?
There’s been no shortage of chatter about Real Madrid’s crowded fixture list—La Liga, the approaching Copa del Rey final, and continental ambitions still very much alive. Ancelotti, with his trademark calm, is clearly playing the long game. Giving fresh legs to his stars before a showdown against Barcelona could pay off in silverware. It also forces role players and newcomers like Endrick to step up, showing they belong at the top.
The absence of Mbappé, along with Bellingham and Rüdiger taking a back seat, is a reminder that depth and adaptability will decide Madrid’s season. Not every club can afford to leave talents like these out, but Madrid isn’t just any club. This match isn’t just about points—it’s a window into the future of their squad, a test of Ancelotti’s trust in youth, and a balancing act in a season where stakes keep rising.