The penultimate matchday of the Champions League group stage concludes this Wednesday. At the Bernabéu, Real Madrid hosts RB Salzburg. Needing a win to move closer to the Top 8, Carlo Ancelotti’s team cannot afford any mistakes.
Three defeats and three victories—that’s Real Madrid’s record since the introduction of UEFA’s new Champions League format. As defending champions, the Madrid side has struggled to shine this season due to numerous issues. After a hard-fought victory against Atalanta last December, Carlo Ancelotti and his men will aim to handle the Austrian challenge of RB Salzburg at the Santiago Bernabéu. Currently sitting 33rd in the competition with 3 points, the visiting team is eager to win, climb the standings, and secure a playoff spot.
Ancelotti’s Choices for the Clash
For Real Madrid, the ultimate goal is to secure a place in the Top 8, which guarantees direct qualification to the Round of 16. For this high-stakes match, Carlo Ancelotti fields an attacking lineup featuring the usual front three of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, and the ever-energetic Kylian Mbappé, who has been in excellent form recently. In midfield, Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, and Luka Modrić will take charge of feeding the attacking line, maintaining balance, and providing defensive support.
Regarding the defence, which has been one of the team’s major issues for months, Carlo Ancelotti has chosen to trust Ferland Mendy, who missed the last two matches for the Madrid side. Convinced that the best central defensive pairing currently is Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asensio, the 65-year-old Italian coach has avoided drastic changes. The only notable adjustment in defence this Wednesday is Federico Valverde’s start at right-back in place of Lucas Vázquez, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
Real Madrid’s Full Lineup Against Salzburg
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asensio, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde
- Midfielders: Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, Luka Modrić
- Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé
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