Real Madrid lineup against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinal second leg

Ancelotti’s tactical board only had two question marks written on it - the rest of the names were written on in permanent ink. Against Bayern, in the second leg at the Bernabéu (3 p.m. ET/ 12 noon PT.), the doubt was in the heart of the defence, which has now been resolved. And it’s a particularly interesting decision given the domino effect it has had on the rest of the team. After the first leg that ended 2-2, everything will be decided in Spain as to who will join Borussia Dortmund in the London final.

Nacho or Camavinga, that was one question, as was Tchouaméni’s role in the XI; in the end, Carletto has opted to partner Nacho with Antonio Rüdiger in central defence, with Aurélien starting in his ‘true’ position, the midfield pivot.

Who will play for Real Madrid against Bayern?

Nacho has performed well in the most recent examinations, with high marks in the Etihad game. But the Italian coach had been tempted to pair Rüdiger with Tchouameni, who excels in the aerial game and in interceptions. The club captain’s experience has eventually won out over the midfielder’s physique and abilities as a defender.

Camavinga, who will now start on the bench, is in a curious position as his multi-faceted qualities on the pitch make nights like these more of a difficulty for him. The possibility of using his immense versatility (he could take Mendy’s place at left back to look for an alternative) in the second half is something highly rated by the coaching staff.

The rest of the team could be recited from memory. Kroos, after his talent show performance at the Allianz, will start alongside whichever aforementioned midfielder while Valverde will provide support on the right wing. However, as we have seen, it will be a totally different role to the one Rodrygo will have on the left. The Brazilian’s position will be very fluid.

He will be in his favourite position, practically as a striker to keep to the idea that saw Carletto’s players put in such a good night against City, but with defensive tasks typical of a midfielder. Ahead of him will sit Vinicius Jr and Bellingham. Acting almost like a central striker, although without being exactly so, Vini Jr will be the spearhead of the team. Meanwhile, Jude will act, as he did in Munich, as a second striker with a tendency to drop back and play as a midfielder.

In goal, Courtois may be an option for the potential final, but not for the second leg of the semis. “Lunin is going to play” were the words from Ancelotti ahead of the tie. As for the full-backs, after having missed the first leg due to suspension, Carvajal returns to the right side, completing a stellar campaign.

Mendy will provide the balance on the other side; despite not having as much attacking presence as his right-sided counterpart, his defensive capabilities are well known. The Champions League semifinal second-leg clash between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will be played on Wednesday 8 May 2024. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET/ 12 noon PT.