Real Madrid return to Champions League action as they take on a familiar foe in the face of Borussia Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The same squad has been named by the Merengues which came up against Celta Vigo over the weekend. Aurelien Tchouaméni on the eve of the game, left training, in what could be a muscle problem, and thus might not be able to start this match.
Here is how Real Madrid can lineup against Borussia Dortmund.
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian was one of the main reasons Madrid avoided defeat over the weekend, as he made some crucial saves – including one in injury time. He also prevented Dortmund from scoring multiple times in last season’s final and would hope to replicate a similar show – albeit with lesser shots at his goal.
RB: Lucas Vazquez
Defensively vulnerable against Celta and it will only get difficult as he comes up against an inform Dortmund attack. Hopefully, he pulls up his socks and put the last match’s display behind him.
CB: Eder Militao
In the last few matches, he has looked better than Rudiger and has also made some solid last ditch efforts to stop a goal. Would be eager to continue from where he left off.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger
The German had a shaky night against Celta, being caught out of position a few times and it could have cost Madrid, if not for some poor finishing. He needs to pull his socks up quickly with tough games ahead.
LB: Ferland Mendy
The Fran Garcia experiment did not quite go to plan and, as a result, the Frenchman will return to the lineup. Although Fran was involved up front, he was caught out of position in the backline on multiple occasions leading to an out-of-shape defence. Mendy does not seem like the defender who would do so.
CM: Luka Modric
He is in line to start in the midfield for this match. The veteran midfielder has looked at his best so far this season, putting in some game changing performances in the last few games. Madrid look like a much better side with the Croatian due to his ability to create chances at will.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga
He has looked solid since his return, notching his first assist of the season against Celta. Real Madrid do require the dynamism he offers in the midfield, that’s why Ancelotti prefers to start the Frenchman.
CM: Fede Valverde
Had a shot at goal against Vigo but looked fairly quiet throughout the night. Has been an absolute workhorse this season for both club and country but expect him to not back down from a challenge, considering the run of games Madrid has this month.
CAM: Jude Bellingham
The Englishman was placed on the right flank in the previous match and looked surprisingly decent in a position he has never played at. He is expected to return to last season’s position but it would not be a surprise seeing him at the right again as Ancelotti acknowledged, that the right flank is left unattended at times and Jude’s – or Rodrygo – presence on the right is needed with Vini and Mbappe occupying the left.
ST: Vinicius Junior
It was nice to see him at his best and ended up scoring a goal with a cool, composed finish. Scored the opener against Dortmund at Wembley and the potential Ballon D’or winner would be eager to haunt the Germans yet again.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
The Frenchman was not firing but then we saw him score an absolute banger from outside the box to open the scoring. The striker is aware that his form will be of utmost importance for Real Madrid from here on. The World Cup winner knows a thing or two about scoring against Dortmund, having found the net as many as 4 times and assisted once in 8 games.