Champions League nights make their way back to the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid will take on RB Leipzig in the all-important 2nd leg of the Round of 16.
For this fixture, Jude Bellingham returns to the lineup as he played out the entire game against Valencia and is a sure-shot starter for this match. Not many changes are expected to be made to the lineup which took on Valencia.
Here is how Real Madrid can line up against RB Leipzig.
Expected lineup:
GK: Andriy Lunin
The Ukrainian had one of the best performances by a goalkeeper in the Champions League in recent times against RB Leipzig and has grabbed the opportunity to be the starter in Courtois’ absence. Would like to add a clean sheet to his tally.
RB: Dani Carvajal
He made a mistake which led to the goal against Valencia but made up by assisting for the 1st goal. Has been in sublime form this season and the captain would want to step up in this important game.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger
The German has been one of the best center-backs this season and has been an integral part of Ancelotti’s side. Missed the 1st leg due to injury but will return for this second-leg fixture.
CB: Aurelien Tchouaméni
The defensive midfielder will be the center-back for the night. He was part of the pairing with Nacho in the first 1st leg and put in a solid performance. Him and Rüdiger would be expected to do the same tonight.
LB: Ferland Mendy
The Frenchman has been preferred over Fran Garcia by Carlo Ancelotti this season and Mendy has justified Ancelotti’s trust. He has been solid defensively this season, and was particularly good in defense in the first leg. Made some attacking runs and was on the verge of recording two assists against Valencia.
CDM: Eduardo Camavinga
With Tchouaméni in defense, his national compatriot will take his place as the defensive midfielder. Camavinga was part of the midfield trio in the 1st leg and did not make any mistakes whatsoever.
CM: Fede Valverde
The Uruguayan is currently one of the best midfielders on the planet and walks into the Madrid side with ease despite it being stacked in the midfield. He has been the engine for the team, and the head coach has relied a lot on him this season.
CM: Toni Kroos
He had a rare poor game against Valencia and will have to put that performance behind him and look ahead to this match to be the orchestrator of the midfield for Real Madrid.
CAM: Jude Bellingham
The Englishman is arguably the best player in the world right now. With his presence, the Merengues look like a completely different team. In attack, particularly, his return would be a boost to the side, especially with Rodrygo going through a rough patch.
ST: Rodrygo
Despite not being in the best of forms, the Brazilian knows how to make nights like these his own and step up in big games. The fans are still behind him and he would want to also repay Ancelotti’s faith in him.
ST: Vinícius Júnior
Vinicius has been in his best form this season, showing remarkable performances since the beginning of the year. He has delivered in nearly all the big games this season, and every Champions League match is significant for Real Madrid. Anticipate his involvement in the goals.
