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Real Madrid Names Strong XI Ahead of La Liga Showdown with Atletico

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 7:30 GMT by Sporting News

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Real Madrid Set to Start a Strong XI Ahead of the La Liga Clash – An In‑Depth Look

On the eve of the high‑stakes La Liga encounter, Sporting News has delivered the full Real Madrid squad list, a concise injury update, and a quick tactical rundown for fans eager to see which stars will grace the Santiago Bernabéu pitch. The club’s official announcement, pulled from the club’s website and cross‑checked with a player‑tracking report from the Spanish federation, confirms a 4‑3‑3 build‑up and highlights a handful of absences that could influence the side’s dynamics.

Starting XI: The 4‑3‑3 Formation in Action

Goalkeeper:
- Thibaut Courtois – The Dutch international remains the number‑one choice after a minor ankle strain in training that was ruled not to threaten his availability. Courtois’ clean sheet record against Sevilla in the previous round will be a benchmark.

Defence (Back‑Four):
- Dani Carvajal – The right‑back, now in his 140th league match for the club, brings experience and the capacity to launch attacking drives.
- Ferland Mendy – Central centre‑back, who has shown a steadier form in the last eight games after returning from a hamstring pull.
- Raphael Varane – One‑time captain and defensive cornerstone, still coping with a niggling calf, but deemed fit for the role.
- Sergio Ramos – The veteran centre‑back is scheduled to play despite his ongoing shoulder rehab, as the club has confidence in his physical condition.

Midfield (Three‑man Midfield):
- Luka Modric – A midfield maestro whose return from a knee injury will be crucial for link‑up play.
- Toni Kroos – The German, in his 20th season, is expected to sit on the flanks of the midfield trio.
- Eden Hazard – The Belgian winger has been dropped from the last match due to a wrist sprain but is back to start after a swift rehabilitation.

Attack (Three‑man Front Line):
- Marco Asensio – The Spanish forward’s return from a hamstring injury is expected to be a game‑changer, particularly in exploiting the defensive midfield gaps.
- Karim Benzema – The talismanic striker, still under the club’s contract despite speculation of a move, is primed to exploit any defensive lapses.
- Luka Jovic – The Serbian forward makes his first start of the season, expected to complement Benzema’s work rate with dynamic runs off the ball.

Bench & Substitutes

The squad’s 12‑man bench comprises:

• Thibaut Courtois (squad number 1) – a potential emergency backup.
• Sergio Ramos – also listed on the bench to provide depth in case of injury.
• Eduardo Camavinga – The 19‑year‑old defensive midfielder could be introduced for a fresh dynamism.
• Nico Hazard – The Belgian full‑back, currently on the bench, ready to cover the right‑back spot.
• Alvaro Morata – A striker with a history of high conversion rates, he could be used to add a fresh attacking threat.
• Dani Pineda – The youthful winger may be brought on in the later stages of the match to provide pace.
• Nico García – The club’s goalkeeper who can serve as a third‑string option in case of a more severe injury.
• Luis Ferrer – The right‑winger with a high work‑rate and speed.
• Moisés Sánchez – A versatile defender.
• Brenner Pereira – The Brazilian forward, known for his aerial prowess.
• Xabi Alvarez – The left‑winger.
• José Giménez – The club’s youngest midfielder, often used to inject creativity in the final third.

Injury List & Player Availability

The club’s official medical staff released a short list of players currently sidelined:

• Modric – A recent knee injury that left him on the sidelines for the last league match. His clearance to play was confirmed by a physiotherapist after a dedicated assessment.
• Asensio – Hamstring strain last week; cleared for a return in training, but the final decision rests with the head coach.
• Hazard – Wrist sprain in a friendly; he will return to start this fixture.
• Carvajal – Minor ankle discomfort; considered fit for the match.
• Ramos – Shoulder injury from a training collision; expected to be available.

The article links to an official club press release detailing each player's rehabilitation progress, which highlights a transparent and meticulous approach to player welfare.

Tactical Overview

Sporting News’ analysis points to a classic Real Madrid tactical structure: a solid back‑four, a midfield triad that blends creativity and defensive solidity, and a front three that offers both a target man (Benzema) and dynamic wide players (Asensio and Jovic). The team’s coach, who has maintained a 3‑4‑3 in recent games, opts for a 4‑3‑3 in this match, giving a more direct approach.

With Modric and Hazard back, the midfield should have the ability to maintain possession while still pressing high. The defensive line is expected to stay compact to counter the opponent’s expected swift counter‑attacks. Offensively, the arrangement allows Benzema to link up with Asensio and Jovic, creating overlapping runs and cross‑bow chances.

The article also notes the psychological aspect: the club is set to use a pre‑match mental‑preparation workshop that was recently introduced by the sports psychologist on the staff. This approach aims to keep the players focused on the objective of winning the league title in the final stretch.

Contextual Backdrop

Real Madrid’s current position in the league table sits just behind the leader, with only a few points separating them from the top three. The team’s recent record is 5 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last 8 league games. Their head coach is under pressure to secure a Champions League spot, and the current fixture against Atlético Madrid is one of the biggest test of the season.

The Sporting News article references a recent interview with the head coach, where he emphasised that “the key to victory lies in the squad’s depth and the players’ adaptability. The injuries we have are a part of the game; what matters is how we use the talent at hand.” He also praised the medical team's rapid rehabilitation of Modric, calling it a “milestone for the club’s support staff.”

Final Thoughts

The article from Sporting News provides a comprehensive snapshot of Real Madrid’s preparedness for a critical fixture. With the starting XI largely intact and a well‑rounded bench, the club demonstrates resilience despite a handful of injuries. The tactical shift to a 4‑3‑3 indicates an aggressive strategy that will test the opponent’s defensive solidity while exploiting the offensive strengths of Benzema, Asensio, and Jovic.

In a league that has become fiercely competitive, every match counts, and Real Madrid’s decision to field a balanced, experienced side demonstrates their commitment to reclaiming the top spot. Whether the return of Modric and Hazard will prove decisive remains to be seen, but the article paints a clear picture of a team that is both strategically sound and psychologically prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.