(Football news) Real Madrid haven’t started 2023 well as they have already lost 3 matches. Los Blancos find themselves 8 points behind league leaders FC Barcelona, having already lost the Spanish Super Cup final. Now Real Madrid have a chance to turn the season around as they take on Al Ahly in the Club World Cup semi final. They are fighting for a trophy but also a much needed boost in confidence because the rest of the season is going to be extremely difficult. Carlo Ancelotti is also under a lot of pressure to turn things around. 

There has been a lot of talk around Real Madrid’s inactivity in the winter transfer window and those talks will continue if Real Madrid don’t improve and especially if their injury record continues. Real Madrid have traveled without Ferland Mendy, Lucas Vazquez, Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and Karim Benzema. However the likes of Courtois, Militao and Benzema are named in the squad and could return if Real Madrid qualify for the finals. Academy players Mario Martin, Sergio Arribas and Marvel are also in the squad but striker Alvaro Rodrigues who has played in the Copa Del Rey this season hasn’t been called up despite Benzema’s absence.

Vinicius Jr has been in the midst of controversy over the past 2 weeks. The Brazilian will have to put all that behind him because he is very important for Real Madrid. It will be interesting to see what line-up Carlo Ancelotti goes for as he has been switching things up this year. David Alaba’s return could finally mean that Eduardo Camavinga is relocated to midfield. The tournament is very important for Fede who after a blistering start to the season has dipped massively after the World Cup.

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