(Football news) Club football is set to finally return and it begins in Bilbao where Athletic Club host Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarter finals. Real Madrid reached the quarter finals after beating Alcoyano in the Round of 32 and Elche in the Round of 16. Athletic Club on the other hand defeated Atlético Mancha Real in the Round of 32 and got the better of Barcelona in the Round of 16. 

Real Madrid are severely understaffed due to injuries, suspensions and fatigue. Los Blancos are without their two left backs as Ferland Mendy is injured and Marcelo is suspended which is why one of David Alaba or Nacho will have to fill in at left back but there is an outside chance that Gareth Bale could fill in. One good news is that Dani Carvajal has recovered from Covid and is likely to start the game at right back. The big absentee is Karim Benzema who was racing against time to be involved after his injury against Elche and has been left out of the squad. 

Casemiro and Rodrygo have had only one training session with the team after returning late from international duty while Vinicius Jr didn't train with the team as he played both the games for Brazil unlike the other Brazilians. The only doubt for Athletic Club is whether Iker Muniain is fit enough to start after recently recovering from Covid. Carlo Ancelotti will be lining up with his usual 4-3-3 while Marcelino will go for his version of the 4-4-2 with Inaki Williams up front. 

The two sides have already met three times this season twice in the La Liga and once in the Super Cup final. Carlo Ancelotti has got the better of his counterpart each time. Inaki Williams is the danger man especially on the counter but Real Madrid has Eder Militao who always has Williams in his pocket. Marcelino will be looking to target Madrid's left hand side. Alaba has played at left back for majority of his career but at this moment in time he is needed more in the centre. Ancelotti has been in this situation before and has chosen to play Nacho at left back with Alaba occasionally switching places while attacking.

Real Madrid's holy trinity midfield will once again be crucial. Casemiro could be on the bench after his late return from international duty even though he didn't play the last game for Brazil. Vinicius is the most fatigued out of the Brazilian players and could be on the bench which gives Eden Hazard a rare opportunity to start on his preferred left wing. Gareth Bale has been on the bench for the past two games and has been training with the team for a while. The Welshman could make his return to the side. Benzema's absence is a big opportunity for Luka Jovic who Real Madrid refused to sell in January despite substantial offers.

The game will be end to end as both teams love to play on the counter. Real Madrid are missing key players which makes Bilbao favourites but just about. Real Madrid are still fighting for all 3 trophies and an elimination at this point will be a big blow to the side's confidence. Los Blancos haven't won the Copa Del Rey since 2014 which was during Ancelotti's first spell. 
 

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