Real Madrid will rise to the top of La Liga on Friday if they beat Valencia.
The defending champions return from the winter break with a trip to the Mestalla and look to inflict more suffering on a struggling Valencia. Madrid have been worryingly inconsistent away from home this season but will be hoping two weeks of rest can help them find more stability on their travels.
Defensive injuries continue to cause excitement in Carlo Ancelotti’s team selection and it remains to be seen whether or not defensive issues will be addressed in the January market. However, what Madrid lack in defensive strength, they more than make up for with a wealth of attacking options, including their favored striker trio Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe.
Here’s how Madrid could line up for their first game in 2025.
TW: Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian has conceded seven goals in his last four appearances as injuries make him increasingly vulnerable. However, Valencia are averaging less than a goal per game in La Liga this season, meaning Courtois fancies his chances of a seventh clean sheet in the league this season.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – Madrid are pushing to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in January as they lack the right-back. Vazquez is currently their only option for the senior team and is hardly cutting a great figure.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – David Alaba is expected to make his long-awaited return in mid-January, but Tchouameni is expected to keep his place in the back four for now. The midfielder often filled in as a central defender for Los Blancos.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger – Rüdiger, a model of consistency for the reigning European champions, needed the winter break more than any other Madrid player. He has played in all of his team’s games this season and will be back in the starting lineup on Friday.
LB: Fran Garcia – Ferland Mendy’s disappointing form has opened the door for Garcia. The 25-year-old has started three of the last four games and is ready to continue at left-back in Madrid’s first game of the calendar year.
CM: Federico Valverde – Valverde has scored twice in his last three appearances and will be tasked with providing energy in midfield against Valencia. He also played in every Los Blancos game this season.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – With Tchouameni moving into defense, Camavinga will be the deepest midfielder in the engine room. The Frenchman’s minutes have been limited this season but he impressed against Sevilla last time out.
CM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham’s problems at the start of the season have finally been resolved in the last two months. He has scored seven goals and five assists for club and country since the start of November.
RW: Rodrygo – With three goals in his last three games, the Brazilian remains an underrated force for Madrid. He will be keen to punish Valencia’s faltering defense on Friday evening.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe endured a difficult start to his career at the Santiago Bernabeu but has made great progress in recent weeks. With five goals in his last six games, his La Liga tally has increased to ten this season.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Madrid didn’t miss the winger against Sevilla as they scored four goals, but they will be very relieved to welcome him back after his suspension on Friday. He previously scored eight goals in eleven games with Valencia.