Real Madrid shift their focus from La Liga to the Champions League as they host AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening.
The holders have had a mixed start to their European campaign, winning two and losing one out of their opening three games. As a result, they find themselves 12th in the new format of the competition. Carlo Ancelotti’s side aim to climb the table and improve their playing style, which has been unconvincing since the start of the campaign.
Los Blancos will be aiming to recover after getting smashed 4-0 at the hands of bitter rivals Barcelona in their last domestic outing. The Spanish giants should be desperate to bounce back and prove a point against AC Milan, who like their midweek opponents, have not enjoyed the best of starts to the 2024/25 campaign.
Real Madrid Team News
The postponement of their La Liga clash against Valencia this past weekend means the Real Madrid players had a ten-day break to wash themselves off the ignominy of the 4-0 thrashing against Barcelona.
It has allowed some of their key performers to recover, with Antonio Rudiger returning to group training over the weekend. Rodrygo Goes has recovered from his own injury issue as well and has been included in the squad to face Milan.
Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba continue their rehab.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup vs AC Milan (4-3-1-2)
Goalkeeper
With Thibaut Courtois out injured, Andriy Lunin will continue between the sticks. The big Ukrainian must produce the goods when called upon and help his team win the contest against Milan.
Defence
In front of Lunin, Ancelotti may tweak his formation from the last game to a 4-3-1-2 system. Antonio Rudiger recovering from his muscle problem should see him walk straight into the Real Madrid lineup and partner Eder Militao in central defence.
Lucas Vazquez will continue deputising for the injured Dani Carvajal, while Ferland Mendy keeps his spot at left-back in the Real Madrid lineup. After conceding four goals against Barcelona, Ancelotti will expect a better defensive effort on Tuesday.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni should sit at the base of Real’s midfield and dictate the tempo of play. He could be partnered by Federico Valverde and Luka Modric in the engine room, with Eduardo Camavinga dropping to the bench.
The trio must look to take control of the game as quickly as possible and dominate the proceedings against Milan.
Dani Ceballos and Camavinga may get opportunities to make an impact off the bench.
Attack
After playing in a deeper role in the last few games, Jude Bellingham could be deployed in his natural No.10 role in the Real Madrid lineup behind the two strikers. With his movement, flair and physicality, the England international will hope to unlock the Milan defence.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. should operate as dual strikers, trying to terrorize the visitors from Italy with their pace, dribbling and unpredictability.
Rodrygo Goes, Arda Guler and Endrick should be solid attacking options to bring off the bench when required.
