Just a few hours after Barcelona conclude their match against Betis, Real Madrid are set to face Girona at Montilivi (Saturday December 7, 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.).

This stadium has been the site of contrasting fortunes for Los Blancos: a 4-2 defeat during the 2022-23 season but also commanding victories, such as a 1-4 win in the second match day of the 2018-19 season and a 0-3 triumph last season.

Both teams come into this match following disappointing results. Girona were eliminated from the Copa del Rey after losing on penalties to Logroñés, while Real Madrid missed a chance to close the gap on Barcelona, falling 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés in a LaLiga fixture rescheduled due to the Super Cup in January.

Ahead of the match, Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media in his usual pre-match press conference. The Italian coach sought to ease pressure on his squad, stating, “The truth is we haven’t shown our best version so far. But I have a very good relationship with my players, and we share the same goal: to find our top form as soon as possible.” Ancelotti also praised Girona, remarking, “Girona are doing well. We have to see this as an opportunity.”

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He provided updates on key players, mentioning the anticipated return of Vinícius Júnior for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Atalanta and the long-awaited comeback of David Alaba.

The Austrian defender, sidelined since a December 2023 injury against Villarreal, has rejoined training and is expected to bolster the team’s build-up play, an area where Rüdiger and Asencio have struggled.

Ancelotti noted Asencio’s solid performances since Éder Militão’s injury, highlighting that Madrid have conceded just two goals in four matches with him on the field (notably against Liverpool at Anfield).

For this match, Ancelotti has named a 21-man squad, including academy players Chema and Gonzalo. Gonzalo, who was on the bench against Athletic last week, has been in fine scoring form recently.

Who will play for Real Madrid against Girona?

Ancelotti is expected to field a starting eleven that could see Brahim Díaz in a flexible role. The Málaga native, making his fifth start this season, can operate either as a fourth midfielder or as a right-wing attacker.

In the former role, he would join Modrić, Valverde, and Bellingham in midfield, with Bellingham taking a more advanced position behind the front two of Mbappé and Rodrygo. Alternatively, if Brahim starts on the right wing, Rodrygo could assume a false nine role, allowing Mbappé to play from the left, despite recently missing another penalty in the loss to Athletic.

In defence, the backline will likely feature Lucas Vázquez on the right, Fran García on the left, and the established central pairing of Asencio and Rüdiger.

Real Madrid possible XI:

Goalkeeper: Courtois

Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, Fran García

Midfielders: Brahim, Modrić, Valverde, Bellingham

Forwards: Rodrygo, Mbappé