Real Madrid will be hoping to record their 115th win against city rivals Atletico Madrid when they meet in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
Los Rojiblancos make the short crosstown trip to the Santiago Bernabeu looking to reach the last four in the backyard of their greatest rivals.
Carlo Ancelotti was still in his first spell as Real Madrid boss the last time they won this competition, with the now-retired Gareth Bale scoring the memorable clincher.
Here’s how Los Blancos could set out for this quarter-final.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Under-appreciated outside Madrid and boy does he want you to know about it.
RB: Nacho Fernandez – Ancelotti explained that Nacho’s proficiency as a centre-back are exactly the reason why he will be playing as a full-back in this one. Whatever you say, Carlo.
CB: Eder Militao – Will play at centre-back presumably because he is less capable of playing this role by Ancelotti’s logic.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Come under fire for recent performances but has a chance to impress with David Alaba out injured.
LB: Ferland Mendy – His place in the side is rather protected given the lack of competition for the role.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Continuing a steady first season as Real’s long-term Casemiro replacement.
CM: Luka Modric – Starting to look his 37 years of age which is understandable. Will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing big-game performance against Barcelona in the Supercopa a few weeks ago.
CM: Toni Kroos – Scored a proper Toni Kroos goal last time out.
RW: Federico Valverde – His form has cooled off a bit since the World Cup. Unfortunately for Atleti, that means he’s well overdue a great performance.
CF: Karim Benzema – Remember when Benzema won the Ballon d’Or? That was only three months ago, apparently.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Started the comeback in their 3-2 win at Villarreal in the last round of the Copa del Rey.
Credit: 90min.com
