Real Madrid’s possible starting XI against Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga

Here’s how Madrid are potentially going to line up against Athletic Club, in Karim Benzema’s final game for the club.

It was going to be a quiet end to the season. With Madrid in second and comfortable, unable to win any trophies and ready to sign off the season at the Santiago Bernabéu, it felt as though we were headed to the stadium to wave off the players who were leaving: Asensio, Hazard and Mariano, three who had made their own version of an impact at the club, but they were away without any tears. Oh, how naïve we were in the big, wide world, just hours ago.

Karim Benzema is set to play his last game for Real Madrid, as it has been confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the season, which finishes when the 90 minutes are up in the Spanish capital. So, for one last time with Karim involved, as questions on Madrid’s captaincy, his new deal with Saudi Arabia, and his potential replacements, here is Madrid’s probable lineup for the game against Athletic Club.

Real Madrid’s possible starting XI vs Athletic Club

So, Benzema is set to start, and if he does, he will captain Real Madrid for one last time. The striker’s record at Madrid is simply extraordinary: he has over 350 goals for the club, putting him only behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time numbers for Real Madrid. After over a decade in the Spanish capital, it is time, it seems, for the Frenchman to seek a new challenge and move away from the place he has called home for so long.

GK: Courtois

DEF: Camavinga - Alaba - Militão - Carvajal

MID: Kroos - Modric - Valverde

ATT: Rodrygo - Benzema - Rodrygo