After their goalless draw against city rivals Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid host Belgian side Club Brugge in the second round of the 2019-20 Champions League. Real Madrid are top of La Liga despite drawing the last game.
Manager Zinedine Zidane could have some players returning from injury, with Luka Modric returning for the game against Atletico. Madrid need a win against Club Brugge as they lost 3-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the opening Champions League fixture of the season.
Let’s take a look at the possible lineup that Zidane could put out against Club Brugge on Tuesday:
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Club Brugge
Goalkeeper
Alphonse Areola made his Real Madrid debut last week in Madrid’s 2-0 win against Osasuna. But, he may have to wait his chance to make his Champions League debut for Madrid as Zidane could stick with Thibaut Courtois.
Defence
Zidane will start captain Sergio Ramos against Brugge and maybe bring on Éder Militão late in the game if Madrid are coasting to a win. Ramos will play alongside Raphaël Varane in the heart of the Madrid defence.
Experienced full-back Marcelo has returned to training, but it’s unlikely that he will make it to the Real Madrid lineup for the game against Club Brugge.
Nacho will most likely continue at left-back for the Spanish giants. Álvaro Odriozola had a good game against Osasuna and we could maybe see him replace Dani Carvajal at right-back.
Midfield
Luka Modric should return to the Real Madrid lineup after coming on in the 68th minute against Atletico Madrid. He will most likely replace Federico Valverde in the Real Madrid starting XI.
Toni Kroos and Casemiro – who both started the derby against Atletico – should retain their places in the Real Madrid starting XI against Brugge.
Attack
Zidane has several options in attack, especially in the wide areas. Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior impressed in the win against Osasuna, but Zidane may want to give Eden Hazard a chance to shine and bring his confidence back up, which he could do against a team like Club Brugge.
The former Chelsea attacker will most likely start alongside Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale in attack.
