A strong choice from Ancelotti before the clash against Atlético… Discover the Real Madrid eleven that is already generating a lot of reactions.
A few hours before the highly anticipated round of 16 first leg of the Champions League against Atlético de Madrid, the composition of Real Madrid has been leaked. An intriguing starting eleven, between major absences and strong tactical choices from Carlo Ancelotti for this European derby that promises to be electric at the Santiago Bernabéu.
A tense derby after a worrying defeat
This Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Real Madrid hosts Atlético de Madrid for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. Beaten by Betis Sevilla (2-1) in their last outing in La Liga, the Madrilenians must imperatively raise their heads to position themselves ideally before the return. To do this, Carlo Ancelotti has concocted an ambitious eleven despite the absences of several key players.
The Italian technician must do without several pillars. Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Vallejo and Dani Ceballos are all missing. The good news comes from the return of Fede Valverde, valuable and capable of playing as a right-back, a role in which he has already distinguished himself against Manchester City during the play-offs.
Ancelotti renews the defense
In goal, Thibaut Courtois will probably be present. If Lunin shone against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey, the experience and reliability of the Belgian are essential for a meeting of this magnitude.
The defense will be structured around Federico Valverde on the right, Raúl Asencio and Antonio Rüdiger in the center, and there is some uncertainty on the left. Fran García seems to be the one holding the rope, but Ferland Mendy could well be preferred to him.
Strong choices in midfield and attack
In midfield, the duo Aurélien Tchouameni – Eduardo Camavinga should be favored. Luka Modric, a starter against Betis, will start on the bench, ready to come on to stabilize or energize the midfield if necessary.
The offensive animation will be organized around Rodrygo, playmaker in the absence of Bellingham (suspended), and Brahim Díaz on the right wing. Both will have complete freedom to swap positions during the match, while ensuring their defensive tasks. On the left, the inevitable Vinicius Jr., while Kylian Mbappé will occupy the tip of the attack.
Real Madrid’s expected lineup against Atlético:
Courtois – Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy – Tchouameni, Camavinga – Brahim, Rodrygo, Vinicius – Mbappé
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