Real Madrid travel to France to face Brest on Wednesday evening in the eighth and final group stage game of their UEFA Champions League campaign.
The Spanish giants have not managed to assert their customary dominance on the European stage this season, lying in 16th spot with 12 points collected from seven games. Yet, they are at least guaranteed of a playoff place at the very worst.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side were at their ruthless best on the penultimate matchday, scoring five past Red Bull Salzburg last week with braces from Brazilian duo Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes sandwiched by a Kylian Mbappe strike. Los Blancos won 3-0 against Real Valladolid in La Liga at the weekend courtesy of a Mbappe hat-trick, so they head to Stade Francis Le-Ble in a rich vein of form.
Real Madrid Team News
Vinicius Jr. picked up his third yellow card of the Champions League campaign during the thrashing of RB Salzburg and has subsequently attracted a one-game suspension, meaning he will miss the game at Brest.
Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga are all out with injuries, although the latter is expected back within the next week or so.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup vs Brest (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois should start in goal for Real Madrid, aiming to shut up shop as quickly as possible against Brest.
Defence
In front of Courtois, Real Madrid could be deployed in a 4-3-3 formation. Young Raul Asencio, who started at right-back in the Real Madrid lineup against Valladolid at the weekend, should come into the central defence to partner Antonio Rudiger with experienced David Alaba starting on the bench.
Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy are expected to be the full-backs in the Real Madrid lineup, and will look to stretch the Brest backline with their pace and movement while providing defensive solidity.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni was an unused substitute at the weekend, so he should be fit and fresh to anchor the Real Madrid midfield. The Frenchman could be joined by Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham in the Madrid engine room.
With their mix of technical abilities and physicality, the trio will look to take control of the game as quickly as possible against Brest and create chances for the forwards. Midfield maestro Luka Modric should settle for a spot on the bench.
Attack
Rodrygo should replace his suspended compatriot Vinicius on the left flank in the Real Madrid lineup, while Brahim Diaz will hope to enjoy a productive night from the opposite wing. The duo has the qualities to cause problems for the Brest defence.
Fresh from his first hat-trick in Madrid colours, Mbappe will be raring to dominate the headlines with a star showing on his return to France in midweek.
The likes of Arda Guler, Endrick, Modric and Alaba may get opportunities to make a mark in the second half.
