Ferland Mendy: "HIM STARTING IN THE BIG 2025?", "Am I really reading him" - Fans surprised by Real Madrid star's inclusion in XI for Olympiakos UCL clash

Real Madrid fans on X are surprised with manager Xabi Alonso’s decision to name Ferland Mendy as a starter for their UEFA Champions League match with Olympiacos. The two teams are set to face off at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday, November 26.

Alonso made six changes to his starting XI that drew with Elche 2-2 in their last outing. Mendy will make his first appearance for Real Madrid this season in the left-back position, coming on for Fran Gracia. The Frenchman hasn’t featured for Los Blancos since March due to a muscular problem.

Alonso has rotated his left-back option between Carreras and Fran Garcia in Mendy’s absence. However, the decision to include Mendy in the starting XI against Olympiacos didn’t sit well with some Madrid supporters as they took to social media to question Alonso’s decision.

A fan wrote:

“He really started Mendy ahead of Garcia.”

Another tweeted:

“MENDY???? WE'RE FUCKING COOKED.”

A third queried:

“Am I really reading Mendy rn?

“Mendy in the starting 11 in big 2025 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭,” another added.

“MENDY STARTING IN THE BIG 2025? 😭,” a fifth echoed the same sentiments.

Another notable change is Andriy Lunin replacing Thibaut Courtois in goal. The Belgian couldn't travel with the rest of the squad to Athens after Madrid revealed ahead of the match that he was diagnosed with a viral gastrointestinal infection.

“We have to play well” – Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso ahead of UCL clash with Olympiacos

Xabi Alonso urged his players that they need to deliver a good performance against Olympiacos to get back to winning ways. In addition to failing to win their last match, Real Madrid lost their last Champions League game earlier this month, a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Adding to the intrigue, Los Blancos have never won in Greece in each of their nine visits—six defeats and three draws, with four of them against Olympiacos. Speaking in a press conference, Alonso said:

“We need a good performance and, after these last few matches, to get back to winning ways. To do that, we have to play well, stay focused and realise that this is an important match for our position in the table. Despite having nine points, we want to add more. After the Liverpool match and the next two league matches, we want to get another result tomorrow.”

Heading into the contest, Madrid sit fourth, while their Greek opponents are outside the qualification zone in the standings.

Edited by Ezekiel Olamide