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Rodrygo starts as Real Madrid announce El Clasico lineup

Rodrygo at Real Madrid
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The Blancos have announced their lineup for the upcoming clash amid Karim Benzema’s absence.

Real Madrid will host Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday. The La Liga leaders suffered a huge injury blow before the game, with Karim Benzema missing out with a calf injury.

Speaking ahead of the game, Carlo Ancelotti claimed he had a clear plan to compensate for the Frenchman’s absence. The Italian manager has now announced his official lineup for the game, with Rodrygo making the starting XI.

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Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Valverde, Vinicius, Rodrygo.

Barcelona starting XI: Ter Stegen, Araujo, Pique, Eric Garcia, Alba, Busquets, De Jong, Pedri, Dembele, Torres, Aubameyang.

The Blancos will play with the pair of Vinicius and Rodrygo upfront while the regular midfield unit of Modric, Kroos, Casemiro, and Valverde play behind them in a 4-4-2 formation. Nacho will cover up for Ferland Mendy, who is also out with an injury.

On the other hand, Barcelona come into the game with two changes from the squad that defeated Galatasaray 2-1 on Thursday. 

Ronald Araujo will replace Sergino Dest on the right-hand side of Barca’s defence while Ousmane Dembele starts ahead of Adama Traore.

Both teams are on four-game winning streaks, facing off in top form. Let’s see if Barca’s newly-found form can deter Real Madrid in their march toward the La Liga title.

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