Just hours before the big final of the Intercontinental Cup between Real Madrid and Pachuca FC, El Chiringuito TV made a major announcement about Kylian Mbappé and Raúl Asensio.
It's D-Day. While the competition started a few days ago with the quarterfinals and semifinals that led the Mexican team Pachuca FC to the final, Real Madrid enters the competition this Wednesday. As the reigning European champions, Florentino Pérez's club will directly play the final of this competition at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar, at 5:00 PM GMT, 6:00 PM in France.
For this important match, Carlo Ancelotti, who could become the most successful coach in Real Madrid's history if they win, made strong choices.
The First Clues About Real Madrid's Lineup
In any case, it's the announcement of some Iberian media outlets. Starting with El Chiringuito TV, where Edu Aguirre is the journalist specializing in the White House, Kylian Mbappé's starting position is announced.
Initially uncertain for this match due to a muscle injury sustained last week in the Champions League, particularly against Atalanta Bergamo, KM9 fought to return on time for this final. As Marca mentioned on Tuesday, the former PSG player himself informed the medical staff that he was 100% ready to play against Pachuca.
After the last training session held at the Lusail Stadium, which he knows well, Mbappé seemingly reassured Carlo Ancelotti, who should, unless there's a last-minute surprise, start him alongside The Best FIFA 2024, Vinícius Júnior.
Apart from this major announcement about the Madrid lineup, Diario AS also slipped in some news, particularly about the defense.
No Raúl Asensio
Real Madrid - Pachuca FC: Big Announcement About Raúl Asensio and Kylian Mbappé
While the team showed a significant defensive weakness last Saturday against Rayo Vallecano, the defense shouldn't undergo any changes. Despite the presence of young Raúl Asensio, who has shown promising things after Eder Militao's injury, Ancelotti will trust the duo Aurélien Tchouaméni and Antonio Rüdiger for this final.
This is another strong choice from the Italian coach, who continues to trust a repositioned midfielder in defense rather than a young talent who is already proving himself.
With Tchouaméni's starting position, AS indicates that Eduardo Camavinga will start the game in midfield in a number 6 role.
In any case, we're in for a heavy lineup from Real Madrid, who won't have room for error against Pachuca FC, who eliminated the Brazilians from Botafogo (3-0) in the quarterfinals and the Egyptians from Al Ahly (0-0, 6-5 in penalties) in the semifinals. Tune in to the exclusive channel broadcasting this match this Wednesday at 5:00 PM to experience this exciting football matchup.