Brest – Real Madrid: Ancelotti’s official line-up, Asencio on the bench!

Tonight marks the end of the Champions League group stage, and all the teams involved play their matches at 9pm. For Real Madrid, the objective is clear: a place in the top 8. But the situation is tricky, as Madrid are no longer in total control of their destiny. Their qualification will depend not only on their performance on the pitch, but also on the results of the evening’s other matches. Carlo Ancelotti has unveiled his official line-up.

Carlo Ancelotti, true to his philosophy, does not intend to leave anything to chance. For this crucial match, the Italian coach is fielding his best possible XI. Indeed, Real Madrid’s official line-up is as follows: Courtois in goal, Lucas and Mendy on the flanks, a central hinge formed by Rüdiger and Tchouaméni, a midfield dominated by Modric, Bellingham and Valverde, and an attack made up of Brahim Diaz, Rodrygo and Mbappé.

One of the main doubts concerns David Alaba. Ancelotti told a press conference that he will either start tonight or in the next league game. But the Italian coach has decided! The Austrian defender will start on the bench. For his part, Dani Ceballos, who has put in some convincing performances recently, is not starting either, despite his best efforts. His absence from the starting eleven could be explained by the Italian coach’s preference for players capable of competing physically with Brest, a team renowned for its intensity.

The repositioning of Aurélien Tchouaméni in central defence is an intriguing decision, but one that can be explained by the attacking threat posed by Brest. The Senegalese striker Sima is a real focal point and a major asset for the French team, imposing a physical challenge that Real Madrid cannot ignore. By lining Tchouaméni up alongside Rüdiger, Ancelotti hopes to solidify the defensive axis and limit the opposition’s attacks.

Real Madrid Lineup vs Brest

Position	Player
Goalkeeper	Thibaut Courtois
Right Back	Lucas Vázquez
Center Back	Antonio Rüdiger
Center Back	Aurélien Tchouaméni
Left Back	Ferland Mendy
Central Midfielder	Luka Modrić
Attacking Midfielder	Jude Bellingham
Box-to-Box Midfielder	Federico Valverde
Right Winger	Brahim Díaz
Striker	Rodrygo
Left Winger	Kylian Mbappé