It's been a week for Florentino Pérez.
An ego battered and bruised in the aftermath of the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony is beginning to heal in time for Christmas. After one of his stars, Vinicius Junior, He won the FIFA Best Player AwardReal Madrid were crowned world champions for the ninth time in Qatar, and can still finish the calendar year at the top of the La Liga table.
Carlo Ancelotti's side have been far from perfect this season, but there have been signs that Real Madrid's excellent attack will kick in at the right time for the start of the new year.
Real Madrid welcomed Kylian Mbappe back to its ranks Winning the Intercontinental Cup finalBut Ancelotti will have to make further adjustments at the top during the visit of Sevilla on Sunday. Here's how Madrid They could be lining up for their final showdown in 2024.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian has been a busy boy this season as a result of Real Madrid's defensive weaknesses, and he had to work to keep a clean sheet in Doha on Wednesday. He's a midfielder between the sticks.
Right-back: Lucas Vazquez – Ancelotti relied on the veteran player after Dani Carvajal suffered a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament. Real Madrid do not have many alternatives at right-back, although Raul Asensio could be used there during the second half of the season.
Centre-back: Aurelien Chouamini – Dare I say it, but Tchouamini looked more comfortable at the heart of Real Madrid's defense than at the base of midfield.
Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger – A mainstay last season and nothing has changed this season. The German plays a pivotal role in Madrid's defence, and will provide plenty of support to his left-back against Sevilla's top scorer, Dodi Lukebakio.
Left-back: Fran Garcia – Ferland Mendy could return to the squad on Sunday, but Ancelotti is likely to stick with Garza in the starting line-up and give Mendy minutes off the bench.
CM: Edward Camavinga – Camavinga has returned from infection He plays a major role in Real Madrid's midfield during the second half of the season. He should keep his place in the team from Wednesday.
Midfielder: Federico Valverde – The lunging Uruguayan has not had the best of seasons, but is still an effective figure in the engine room. Ancelotti recently confirmed that Valverde will not be used as a right-back, so he will operate from the central midfield position on Sunday while providing support to Vazquez.
CM: Jude Bellingham – The England international has endured a somewhat poor start to the season, but has caught fire over the last month or so. BellinghamThe run of goals ended on Wednesday.
Right wing: Arda Guler – Vinicius Junior's suspension opens the door for Guler to make a rare start. Brahim Diaz has shared the Turkish star's minutes this season, but Güler could get the nod here after registering a pair of assists during… A controversial 3-3 draw With Rayo Vallecano last weekend.
Striker: Kylian Mbappe – The Frenchman quickly recovered from a muscle injury and scored against Pachuca. Mbappe He has looked sharp in recent appearances, and will look to finish the year strong.
Left wing: Rodrigo – Rodrygo often reaches another level in the absence of Vinny Junior. He was Real Madrid's star player this time last year while his compatriot was out injured, and much of his good work came while operating down the left flank.
