According to reports, Real Madrid returns to Santiago Bernabeu with the bitter taste of their Champions League elimination against Arsenal still lingering among fans. Beyond the loss itself, the manner of the defeat was particularly frustrating—a team that rarely showed signs of turning the tide, a trait long considered part of Real Madrid’s DNA, was questioned in both legs against Arsenal.

This season has been turbulent for Real Madrid, with other painful defeats, particularly two losses to Barcelona. Carlo Ancelotti’s team has struggled to find consistency and has often faced difficulties securing home victories, which has become a major issue.

Amid this storm, Atletico Bilbao arrives. A team well-positioned for Champions League qualification, while Real desperately needs points, especially after Barcelona’s hard-fought win yesterday, which extended the gap between the two title contenders to seven points. Thus, Ancelotti’s men must win to keep their La Liga title hopes alive and maintain their chances in the remaining El Clasico at Montjuic on May 11.

Real Madrid has no choice but to stand firm quickly, with the Copa del Rey final and another El Clasico looming. Only a victory in the upcoming seven days at La Cartuja in Seville against their eternal rival can heal the team’s wounds.

With five defeats and one draw since March, all eyes at the Bernabeu are on the bench—particularly on players who have underperformed. Kylian Mbappe, their star, is unavailable due to suspension and an ankle injury sustained against Arsenal. Vinicius Jr. has faced whistles, Rodrygo has been out of form, and the team appears fragile after conceding eleven goals in their last five matches.

The good news is the return of Dani Ceballos, though he still has a long way to go, and Eduardo Camavinga, who was suspended against Arsenal and scored against Alaves. Without Mbappe, Ancelotti may opt to retain Andriy Lunin in attack and reinforce the midfield with Brahim Diaz.

Jude Bellingham can play closer to the box in Mbappe’s absence. In defense, Fran Garcia returns to the full-back position after Alaba’s failed experiment in the Champions League. Federico Valverde could feature on the other flank, given the abundance of midfield options.

Atletico Bilbao, however, is a completely different team. They have virtually secured Champions League qualification, reached the Europa League semifinals, and while maintaining their La Liga position, they are already eyeing the final at San Mames.

Nevertheless, Valverde is wary of Real Madrid’s crisis and particularly puzzled by the criticism of Ancelotti. The Atletico coach said: “Last year, he won the Champions League and La Liga. I don’t know how many Super Cups he has. If he’s being criticized… what about the rest of us?”