Real Madrid will commence their pursuit of their fifteenth European title as they initiate the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League campaign against Union Berlin in Group C this evening at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid has commenced the season on a positive note, securing victories in all five matches played thus far in La Liga. However, it is worth noting that these triumphs have not consistently demonstrated a high level of dominance.
However, Real Madrid has demonstrated their ability to secure the maximum number of points even in challenging circumstances. They are determined to maintain their current form and momentum as they enter the prestigious European club competition.
In the period preceding the game, Real Madrid has encountered a mixture of positive and negative updates regarding player injuries. Ferland Mendy has been included in the team for the upcoming match, which is regarded as a significant advantage. Additionally, both Arda Guler and Vinicius Jr are nearing their respective comebacks.
Moving on to unfavorable developments, the proficient right-back, Dani Carvajal, sustained an injury and has been deemed unfit to participate in the upcoming match. Furthermore, there is a possibility that he may also be absent for the forthcoming derby against Atletico Madrid.
With less than 12 hours remaining until the commencement of the match, this analysis presents the potential lineup that Real Madrid may adopt against their German counterparts, who are making their inaugural appearance in the prestigious UEFA Champions League tournament.
The initial courses or introductory modules
In the absence of Thibaut Courtois, the goalkeeper on loan, Kepa Arrizabalaga, seems to be the favored option for the goalkeeping position over Andriy Lunin. Therefore, it is imperative that the Spanish goalkeeper maintains his position as the last line of defense for Real Madrid in their upcoming match against Union Berlin.
According to statements made by Carlo Ancelotti during his press conference, the unavailability of Dani Carvajal will result in Lucas Vazquez assuming the role of right-back. In the interim, it is anticipated that Fran Garcia will have the opportunity to make his inaugural appearance in the UEFA Champions League, assuming the position of left-back, even though Ferland Mendy is also eligible for selection.
In the core of the defensive strategy, it is improbable that Ancelotti will alter the combination of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, while captain Nacho Fernandez is expected to continue his role as a substitute.
As has been consistently observed throughout the duration of this season, the midfield sector remains a critical area where Ancelotti will encounter significant choices and considerations.
Aurelien Tchouameni has exhibited exceptional performance in his role as the defensive midfielder throughout the current season. However, there is a possibility that the French player may be given a rest for tonight’s match, as his compatriot Eduardo Camavinga is anticipated to assume the solitary pivot position.
In the interim, Federico Valverde, who demonstrated his scoring prowess against Real Sociedad in the previous weekend, ought to persist as one of the midfielders, despite his recent disclosure of playing with a compromised arm.
It is anticipated that Luka Modric will be given the opportunity to commence his second match of the season for the Real Madrid football club, thereby supplanting his experienced counterpart Toni Kroos in the initial lineup.Jude Bellingham is expected to assume the position at the apex of the midfield diamond formation for the renowned football club, Los Blancos.
As observed in the period of Vinicius Jr’s nonattendance, the strike partnership at the forefront will consist of Rodrygo Goes and the currently performing forward, Joselu.
Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The projected lineup for the upcoming match consists of the following players: Kepa, Vazquez, Rudiger, Alabal, Garcia, Camavinga, Valverde, Modric, Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Joselu.
Alternative options
It is highly likely that Toni Kroos will be substituted into the match during the latter half of the second period, with the intention of bolstering Real Madrid’s ability to maintain dominance over the game. It is probable that Nacho Fernandez, a fellow veteran, will be summoned to substitute one of the defenders.
Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy may potentially make their inaugural appearances of the season subsequent to their periods of absence due to injury. Additionally, it is anticipated that Brahim Diaz will be granted playing time.
