Sat Sep 21 19:50:50 UTC 2024: ## Real Madrid Aim to Close Gap on Barcelona with Starting Lineup Changes Against Espanyol

Real Madrid are set to face RCD Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu in a La Liga clash, aiming to reduce the gap to league leaders Barcelona. The team, boosted by three consecutive wins across all competitions, will be brimming with confidence and momentum.

Ahead of the match, manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced a surprise starting lineup with several changes from their midweek Champions League fixture against VfB Stuttgart.

The most notable change sees Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. benched in favor of young Turkish talent Arda Guler in attack. Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes will continue their roles in the front line.

In midfield, captain Luka Modric starts alongside Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. This comes after Aurelien Tchouameni was surprisingly deployed as a centre-back, with Ancelotti opting to rest Antonio Rudiger. Eder Militao returns to the starting XI after being on the bench midweek.

Fran Garcia takes over from Ferland Mendy at left-back while Dani Carvajal retains his place on the right. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was named the MVP in the midweek match, will continue in goal.

With these changes, Real Madrid will be looking to secure another victory and maintain their pursuit of Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.

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