Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make a surprise change when the defending La Liga champions face Athletic Club in San Mames.

Los Blancos go into the duel on one of the toughest away pitches in Spain four points behind FC Barcelona.

However, it is important to note that they still have a game left against the Catalans.

That’s why it’s important to keep winning, as Madrid have done in their last three domestic meetings, and then also emerge victorious against Valencia, a game that was postponed due to a tragic flood in the latter club’s region.

In the Basque Country, Ancelotti said during a press conference where the penalty shootout hierarchy was discussed that he expected a “challenging, complicated game as always.”

“We will play in a great atmosphere against a great rival. I think we are in a good moment and will try to show a good version of ourselves. Athletic is doing well, (playing) intensely, (as) one of the best in Spain,” explained the Italian.

At San Mames, Ancelotti will make changes to the team that beat Getafe 2-0 at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

Thibaut Courtois starts in goal and is defended from left to right by a defensive line consisting of Fran Garcia, Toni Rüdiger, Raul Asencio and Lucas Vazquez.

Ancelotti admitted he was “surprised” by Asencio’s level, as well as his “maturity” and “composure”.

“He never worries or is afraid. It’s not a litmus test, he’s already passed the litmus test. He can be considered a player of our team with all the merits because he deserves it,” Ancelotti added.

In central midfield, Dani Ceballos retains his place as a linchpin, although Aurelien Tchouameni has returned from a setback and makes a surprise return to the starting eleven.

“Ceballos did it like Asencio did it. He showed his quality, with a good attitude, (and is) a different player to the other midfielders. (He has) more (ball) handling, control, less energy.”

“He has a lot of personality, he doesn’t worry about touching the ball and he makes a big contribution in that regard,” Ancelotti said of the former Arsenal star, who is tipped for a move away from the club either in January or the next summer is associated.

Ceballos and Fede Valverde line up in front of Tchouameni, while the attacking line consists of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo

Starting XI of Real Madrid vs. sports club: Courtois; Fran, Rüdiger, Raul, Vazquez; Tchouameni, Ceballos, Valverde; Mbappe, Rodrygo, Bellingham