Los Blancos have made a flying start to the new season with an emphatic victory over Deportivo Alaves and will try to keep the momentum going against Levante UD in their second outing.
Real Madrid’s attacking trio looked in great touch in the opening game, and Carlo Ancelotti will be expecting the same link-up play from them against the Granotes.
La Liga giants will have a grueling task when they play Paco Lopez’s men, who are compact defensively and use a high press. Carlo Ancelotti is likely to use a ‘4-3-3’ formation against Levante, which he has used in every game during his second stint at the club.
The manager will be hoping for an improved performance from his back-line, especially from Eder Militao and Lucas Vazquez. Real Madrid has Dani Carvajal back in training, who is likely to get minutes on Monday against Levante, providing an option at the right-back position. The return of Carvajal will be a boost for the entire squad because of the threat he possesses to the opponents on the right along with being solid at the back.
Here is our expected Real Madrid XI for the game against Levante UD:-
Goal Keeper- Thibaut Courtois
Courtois is expected to keep his place in the goal for Los Blancos in their second outing. The Belgian is without question the best shot-stopper for Madrid at the moment and certainly will try to get his first clean sheet for the season.
Defenders – David Alaba, Nacho Fernandez, Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez
Ancelotti is likely to use the same defensive line which played the first game against Deportio Alaves.
David Alaba will continue to play on the left side of the defence after his impressive La Liga debut game in place of injured Marcelo. The new signing will be assigned with the task to whip in some delicious crosses from the left.
Lucas Vazquez will get another opportunity to impress the manager on the right. Carvajal is expected to get a few minutes but is not likely to start after returning from an injury missing seven games, including the opener.
Nacho is likely to keep his well-deserved place at the back after a stunning performance against Alaves. The Spaniard is likely to be partnered by Militao, who needs to be more sharp and accurate.
Midfielders- Luka Modric, Casemiro, Federico Valverde
After a masterclass, Ancelotti is expected to continue with the same midfielders, with the midfield maestro Luka Modric, who keeps on providing sublime performances for the Los Blancos.
Casemiro is more likely to start with Modric because of the solidity he gives to the team. Valverde will join Modric and Casemiro in the middle of the park to inject some pace in the midfield after a strong second-half performance in the opener.
Attackers – Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard
The attacking trio of Bale, Benzema, and Hazard did great against Alaves. Hazard looked in good shape and was lively throughout his time on the pitch, providing a sublime assist to open the scoring for Madrid. Ancelotti is likely to give more playing time to Eden Hazard to build his confidence, and Hazard will be the key to break Levante’s defence.
Gareth Bale on the other hand will try to find his first goal for the Los Blancos after his return and try to cement his position in the starting lineup. Benzema, the reliable goal-scoring source will start for the Galacticos alongside Bale and Hazard.
The match will be on 23rd August at Estadio Ciudad de Valencia (Levante’s Home Stadium).
