Real Madrid begin their Champions League knockout journey on Tuesday when they travel to the Red Bull Arena to face RB Leipzig for the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Los Blancos enjoyed an unblemished record in the competition’s group stages, topping Group C with 18 points from six games. The Spanish giants are on a five-game unbeaten run, recording four wins.
Carlo Ancelotti’s troops made a statement by smashing La Liga season’s surprise package FC Girona 4-0 on Saturday, opening a five-point lead at the summit. Thus, their preparations ahead of the big European knockout game has been great but Ancelotti’s side must work extremely hard to get a result at RB Leipzig, who finished second in the Champions League Group B standings.
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed club captain Nacho Fernandez will return against RB Leipzig. However, Jude Bellingham is expected to miss the game in Germany with a sprained ankle, which is a big blow for Ancelotti. Antonio Rudiger will not be back from a thigh issue in time for the midweek fixture either.
Meanwhile, David Alaba, Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are long-term ACL absentees.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup vs RB Leipzig (4-3-1-2)
Goalkeeper
Andriy Lunin has been really good as a deputy for the injured Thibaut Courtois and deserves to retain his place in goal against RB Leipzig. He will be seeking to keep a clean sheet at the Red Bull Arena.
Defence
Lining up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, stand-in centre-backs Dani Carvajal and Aurelien Tchouameni performed very well against Girona and helped Real Madrid keep a clean sheet last weekend. However, the return of Nacho from injury is a timely boost for the Spanish side, and he will walk straight into the first XI to partner Tchouameni in central defence.
Carvajal will move back to his original right-back position on Tuesday, while Ferland Mendy hopes to catch the eye on the night from left-back.
Midfield
Toni Kroos will hold the forte in the middle of the park, freeing Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde to advance and join in the attack. The trio must look to ensure they dictate the pace of the game and have the majority of the ball possession.
Attack
As far as the attack is concerned, Jude Bellingham’s absence is a big blow for Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti could turn to Brahim Diaz to deputise in the No.10 role against Leipzig.
Diaz will try to take dangerous positions in the final third and release pacey Brazilian duo Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes in transitions. Vinicius and Rodrygo both scored in Real’s big win over Girona and should be brimming with confidence heading into the European night at the Red Bull Arena.
Joselu may get a chance to impress off the bench in the second half.
