Real Madrid, fresh off their Super Cup triumph, plunge straight into another fiery Madrid derby – this time in the Copa del Rey.
With just four days to digest their Clásico victory, Carlo Ancelotti’s men face a rejuvenated Atlético, fueled by revenge after their Super Cup semi-final defeat.
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Arda Guler has made the squad for the derby game and will be hoping to make his fourth appearances since returning from a lengthy injury.
Guler was used as a substitute in the previous two games.
It is unknown whether Guler will get to start against Atleti but it is unlikely in such a high pressure, intense derby that he will get the nod considering manager Carlo Ancelotti wants to ease him back.
Copa del Rey regulations allow for 11 substitutes, with Guler likely to join Camavinga and Ceballos as potential game-changing options from the bench.
Fatigue a factor so Ancelotti may in fact decide to start Guler in order to give some players a rest.
Atlético meanwhile, smarting from their Super Cup defeat, are hungry for redemption. With the Metropolitano roaring behind them, they pose a formidable challenge for Los Blancos.
If Guler does feature it would be the most intense atmosphere he has played in yet since making the move.
REAL MADRID SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Lunin, Kepa and Diego Piñeiro.
Defenders: Carvajal, Nacho, Fran García, Rüdiger, Mendy and Tobias.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Kroos, Modrić, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Arda Güler and Mario Martín.
Forwards: Vini Jr., Rodrygo, Joselu and Brahim.
