Carlo Ancelotti’s possible Real Madrid lineup for UCL clash against Atlético

The Spanish capital will come to a standstill on Tuesday evening as Real Madrid face city rivals Atletico in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Ancelotti’s men come into the game on the back of a well deserved defeat last Saturday at the hands of Real Betis in Seville with Simeone’s men edging out Athletic Club with a 1-0 win at the Estadio Metropolitano later on the same night.

Jude Bellingham is the key absentee for Real Madrid with the England international serving a one game suspension. Militao, Carvajal and Ceballos and Vallejo are all out through injury but there is good news with Fede Valverde fit and ready to help the team.

Courtois will man the sticks with the versatile Valverde set to start at right back. Asencio returns in the centre of defence, after sitting out the Betis game and will partner Rüdiger with either Fran García or Ferland Mendy set to start at left back.

Tchouameni and Camavinga will marshall the centre of midfield with Modric, who played the whole match at the Villamarín, being kept on the bench. Without Bellingham, Rodrygo will occupy a central role with Brahim playing on the right. Vinicius will start on the left flank with Mbappé to spearhead the Real Madrid attack.

Real Madrid: possible XI vs Atleti

Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Fran García/Mendy; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Brahim, Rodrygo, Vinicius; and Mbappé.

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