Real Madrid are playing for big points this Wednesday. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have no room for error against Salzburg. A direct qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League is still possible.
Real Madrid’s return to the Champions League comes against a fiery backdrop. After a lacklustre start to their European campaign, the reigning European champions need a win against RB Salzburg to keep their qualification hopes alive. The Merengues are currently in a critical situation: two consecutive wins are essential if they are to reach the last 16. If they fail to do so, the road to glory could be via a perilous play-off phase.
RB Salzburg, Real Madrid’s opponents next Wednesday, also have their backs against the wall, with just three points to their name. The Austrians know that a win at the Santiago Bernabeu is their only chance of keeping their hopes alive going into the final round. Even if their current results do not place them among the favourites, their play could surprise a Madrid defence that has been shaky at times this season.
Virtually unchanged line-up for Carlo Ancelotti
After a convincing 4-1 win over Las Palmas in La Liga, Carlo Ancelotti appears to be banking on continuity. Two notable changes are expected, however: Aurelien Tchouameni is set to replace Dani Ceballos in midfield, while Vinícius Jr returns to the starting line-up in place of Brahim Diaz.
Here is the likely line-up:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defence: Lucas Vázquez, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran Garcia
- Midfield: Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham
- Attack: Vinícius Jr, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo Goes
With this team, Ancelotti hopes to rediscover the solidity and efficiency that have often been Real Madrid’s strengths in the Champions League.
When and where can you watch the match?
This matchday 7 clash takes place on Wednesday 22 January at 21:00 (Spanish and French time) at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Here are the different options for following the match live:
- Spain: Movistar Champions League
- France: Canal+ Sports Live
- Africa: Canal+ Sports Afrique, Supersport, New World TV
Fans from all over the world will be thrilled by this decisive match. Real Madrid, accustomed to shining on the European stage, are playing for some of their prestige this Wednesday evening. A win could not only rekindle the hopes of their fans, but also kick-start a positive spiral for the rest of the competition. But beware: a slip-up could shake the confidence of a team which, despite its individual talent, sometimes seems to lack cohesion at crucial moments.
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