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A Real Madrid with significant losses
Real Madrid will face the challenge of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals this Thursday against Celta de Vigo (9:30 p.m. CET) at the Santiago Bernabéu, but they will do so with several significant absences. The starting goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has been ruled out due to rest, while defender David Alaba remains out of the squad, although his recovery is progressing as planned.
Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the white team, confirmed that Andriy Lunin will be the starting goalkeeper for this match, ratifying his confidence in the Ukrainian for the cup matches. In addition, the call includes youth players Fran González and Sergio Mestre, who complete the list of goalkeepers.
In the case of David Alaba, club sources indicate that the Austrian, who has been away from the playing field for 13 months due to a knee injury, has begun training with the group. He is expected to return to action this Sunday against UD Las Palmas, which would leave him ready to contribute in the final stretch of the season.
Homegrown players reinforce the team in the face of more absences
In addition to the absences of Courtois and Alaba, Real Madrid will also be unable to count on Dani Carvajal and Éder Militao, both affected by long-term knee injuries. This has forced Ancelotti to include Castilla full-back Lorenzo Aguado, who already has several call-ups with the first team, showing promising performance in his category.
In defense, the team will rely on players like Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy and Fran García, who will have the responsibility of containing a Celta that arrives at the Bernabéu with the intention of surprising.
Real Madrid squad list
Goalkeepers:
- Andriy Lunin
- Fran Gonzalez
- Sergio Mestre
Defenses:
- Lucas Vazquez
- Fran Garcia
- Antonio Rüdiger
- Ferland Mendy
- Raul Asencio
- Lorenzo Aguado
Midfielders:
- Jude Bellingham
- Edward Camavinga
- Fede Valverde
- Luka Modric
- Aurélien Tchouaméni
- Arda Guler
- Dani Ceballos
Fronts:
- Vinícius Junior
- Kylian Mbappé
- Rodrygo Goes
- Endrick
- Brahim Diaz
The Bernabéu, a decisive stage
The confrontation against Celta Vigo is crucial for Real Madrid’s aspirations in the Copa del Rey, a tournament that has historically been elusive for the whites compared to their achievements in the League and Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti knows that he cannot underestimate a Galician team that has shown the ability to compete on important stages.
With figures like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior leading the attack, the merengue team will seek to impose their hierarchy at the Bernabéu and advance to the semifinals. At the same time, the inclusion of young promises like Endrick and Brahim Díaz brings a refreshing air to the team, which needs a balance between experience and freshness.
A path that demands perfection
Real Madrid has no margin for error in this stretch of the season. The Copa del Rey represents an opportunity to consolidate their dominance in Spanish and European football, but each match will be a test of their depth and versatility as a team.
The clash against Celta promises to be intense, with the visitors eager to break the predictions and the locals determined to live up to expectations. The Santiago Bernabéu, once again, will be the epicenter of a night of emotions. Will Madrid be able to overcome adversity and move forward in the Cup?
