Suddenly, Real Madrid are in control of the La Liga title race.

Their 2024/25 campaign has so far been plagued by injuries, tactical shortcomings and incessant talk surrounding Kylian Mbappe, yet three consecutive wins have left them in a strong position.

Madrid’s uptick in production has handily arrived while Barcelona are enduring their first lapse of their season. Hansi Flick’s side are winless in three domestic outings and now sit just one point ahead of the champions having played a game more.

However, Barca are in midweek action 24 hours before Madrid face Athletic Club away from home on Wednesday, so the gap could return to four points by the time Carlo Ancelotti’s side kick off in Bilbao.

The Italian is still without a litany of stars, and here’s the starting XI he could pick for Madrid’s upcoming fixture.

GK: Thibaut Courtois – Courtois has had to work for his recent clean sheets, with the Belgian last conceding a goal in La Liga well over a month ago.

RB: Lucas Vazquez – Vazquez has been in and out of the side since Dani Carvajal succumbed to injury, and Ancelotti would be brave to match him up one-on-one against Nico Williams on Wednesday. If he does start, he’ll take the armband.

CB: Antonio Rudiger – Unlike his centre-back partners, Rudiger doesn’t do injuries and he’s been a mainstay at the heart of Madrid’s defence this term.

CB: Raul Asencio – The young defender is poised to make his fourth consecutive start following Militao’s second ACL tear. Asencio has looked comfortable at this level thus far – even at Anfield.

LB: Fran Garcia – Garcia is currently winning the tug-of-war at left-back between himself and Ferland Mendy. The French left-back was excellent last season, but his form has dipped this term which has opened the door for Garcia.

CM: Federico Valverde – Madrid’s jack-of-all-trades is a contender to start at right-back on Wednesday, but Ancelotti will want him in the middle of the park for this sort of occasion. Expect him to cover Vazquez plenty.

CM: Luka Modric – The veteran midfielder is well-rested after only coming off the bench against Getafe and should return to the XI on Wednesday. Madrid require his ability to control contests in possession.

CM: Jude Bellingham – After a profligate start to the season, Bellingham has found his goalscoring groove. He has three in his last three La Liga outings and should be okay to start despite picking up an injury on Sunday.

AM: Arda Guler – Guler is working his way back into Ancelotti’s plans, and he could have an important role to play on Wednesday as the key linker between midfield and attack.

ST: Rodrygo – Rodrygo’s return from injury was a timely boost for Los Blancos, and he’ll have a chance while Vinicius Junior’s out to develop a telepathic relationship with Mbappe.

ST: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe’s strike on Sunday was vintage, but the Frenchman could’ve ended the contest with three or four goals to his name. Still, he’s getting himself in the positions at least.

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