"Time to cook", "Write your name in gold tonight" - Real Madrid fans back superstar to shine against Atletico Madrid in derby clash
Real Madrid have announced their lineup for the all-important derby against Atletico Madrid, with Jude Bellingham starting in the free role behind the two forwards - Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo. Their fans have been left elated with Carlo Ancelotti's decision to deploy Bellingham in the role where he created havoc last season.
With Kylian Mbappe ruled out for the match, the Italian gaffer had to reshuffle the starting XI and Luka Modric was brought into the midfield. Real Madrid have reverted to the 4-4-2 formation that saw them dominate across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign.
The return to the trusted formation brings back fond memories for the supporters, who saw Bellingham register his best goal-scoring numbers last season. One of the supporters wrote:
"Bellingham back to his favorite position."
Plenty of other fans joined in on social media to express their excitement.
"Manifesting a Jude Bellingham MOTM performance," another one wrote.
Meanwhile, another Los Blancos supporter added:
"Bellingham as the number 9 lmao, Bro is getting his tapin today."
The 21-year-old finished the 2023-24 season with 23 goals and 13 assists from 42 appearances for Real Madrid, and Ancelotti will be hoping for the midfielder to create similar magic on Sunday night.
Real Madrid's starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti has picked a lineup similar to last season for Real Madrid's much-anticipated clash against Atletico Madrid. Thibaut Courtois, a cornerstone in goal, starts between the posts for Los Blancos.
Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy form the backline. In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni, Luka Modric, and Federico Valverde will shoulder the responsibility of breaking down Atletico Madrid's five-at-the-back system.
Jude Bellingham starts in an advanced midfield role, while Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr will provide the creative spark down the flanks. The Brazilian forwards will have the responsibility to stretch Atletico's backline.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy, Tchouameni, Modric, Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Atletico de Madrid XI: Oblak, Molina, Le Normand, Mandava, Gimenez, Llorente, Gallagher, De Paul, Griezmann, Alvarez, Sorloth.