Tomorrow, Real Madrid will face RB Leipzig in the opening leg of the round of 16 of the 2023/24 Champions League. After a remarkable 4-0 victory over Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu, Carlo Ancelotti’s players should be in a buoyant mood for the next game at the Red Bull Arena.
Nevertheless, they have unfortunately suffered the absence of Jude Bellingham for around two weeks, as the English player sustained an ankle injury during this match. The Englishman is anticipated to return for the second leg, but, he has not been listed on the roster of players traveling for the first leg.
Leipzig is presently ranked sixth in the Bundesliga standings, having achieved victory in 11 out of their 21 matches played. They are currently not performing at their optimal level, having only achieved victory in one out of their five games after the winter break.
They deserve significant consideration, since they have won four out of their six matches in the Champions League group stage and were only defeated by the reigning champions Manchester City in both encounters.
Prior to this significant confrontation in Real Madrid’s preferred tournament, Madrid Universal examines the potential roster for the match.
Defence: Nacho resumes his position in the center defensive line.
Due to Thibaut Courtois’ continued absence for the remainder of the season, Ancelotti seems to have selected Andriy Lunin as his preferred goalkeeper, while Kepa Arrizabalaga has been demoted to the substitute bench after a string of underwhelming performances.
Antonio Rudiger will be absent for this match, as well as the subsequent ones, so leaving Nacho as the only senior-team center-back in the roster. Although he was absent during the victory over Girona, the Spanish player is expected to regain his position on the defensive line tomorrow.
His comeback will also enable Daniel Carvajal to reclaim his preferred position as a right-back, while Aurelien Tchouameni will maintain his place beside Nacho.
Fran Garcia should be the last missing element in the lineup, despite Mendy’s strong performance over the weekend, mainly to take advantage of the open areas that Bundesliga clubs often allow on the flank.
Midfield: The trident remains unchanged.
At the midpoint of the season, Ancelotti seemed to have discovered the optimal midfield combination for Real Madrid. We anticipate that this trident will persist against Leipzig.
Toni Kroos is anticipated to begin as the defensive midfielder in this configuration. The performance of the German player has been exceptional in recent matches, leaving little room for debate over his position in the starting lineup.
Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde will occupy the central midfield positions as number 8s.
This trio have the ability to effortlessly interchange players, since all three individuals have experience playing in both defensive and offensive positions throughout their careers.
Substitution: Brahim comes in for Bellingham
Carlo Ancelotti has many options to substitute Jude Bellingham in the starting lineup, like as using Joselu as the forward and utilizing two wingers.
Nevertheless, it would be unjust to exclude Brahim Diaz from the starting lineup, given his exceptional performance during his playing minutes at Madrid. Operating as the second option player on the offensive line, the Spanish player has made ten significant contributions towards scoring goals in little more than 1,100 minutes of play, with an average of about one contribution per 90 minutes.
Rodrygo and Vinicius both scored goals against Girona, with Vinicius delivering an exceptional effort that stands out as one of the best of the season in the league so far.
The Brazilian two will constitute the offensive partnership positioned in front of Diaz, who will begin in the number 10 position.
Substitute
Joselu failed to convert the penalty, denying Madrid their fifth goal in La Liga on Saturday. However, he will remain one of the primary substitutes, until he is included in the starting lineup.
Luka Modric and Arda Guler are other potential candidates to get playing time. The former player’s playing time has diminished in recent weeks, nevertheless, he is unquestionably a crucial element of the team.
In the absence of Bellingham, Dani Ceballos might be summoned to enhance the midfield’s creative abilities and ball possession.
Ultimately, Ferland Mendy is unquestionably a strong candidate to be substituted in the second half, particularly if Real Madrid need defensive reinforcement to maintain their advantage.