CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Real Madrid starting lineup for today’s Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich
Dani Carvajal is the main absentee for Carlo Ancelotti, who had to decide where Aurélien Tchouaméni plays after a UCL ban.
Real Madrid’s starting lineup for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich is pretty similar to the team that played from the off against Manchester City at the Etihad two weeks ago, with Dani Carvajal the major casualty.
Why isn’t Carvajal playing for Madrid against Bayern?
Carlo Ancelotti was forced to make a change at right-back due to Carvajal serving a one-match suspension after being shown a yellow card against City. Unfortunate timing for the defender with every player’s disciplinary record reset at the start of the semi-finals. Lucas Vázquez starts in his place.
In his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti did leave some room for doubt with regard to his selection, especially in central midfield and defence. “Aurélien Tchouaméni is going to play tomorrow. Where? I Don’t know”. Now we do.
More on Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid
Nacho or Camavinga to drop out for Tchouaméni?
Nacho’s excellent performance against City kept Erling Haaland quiet, giving Ancelotti food for thought. Should the club captain continue alongside Antonio Rüdiger at the back, or would the Frenchman return after a Champions League suspension? The Madrid coach’s decision would also then impact Eduardo Camavinga. If Tchouaméni played in defence, Camavinga would start. If he played in midfield, his compatriot would drop down to the bench. The former was chosen.
The rest of the team picked itself. Andriy Lunin continues in goal despite Thibaut Courtois returning to the squad after a lengthy absence. The Belgian is expected to start for the first time since August against Cádiz at the weekend.
Rüdiger is one of the first names on the team sheet in defence, while Ferland Mendy returns at left-back after missing the last two games because of a thigh problem.
In midfield, Tchouameni joins Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham, with Brazilian duo Rodrygo and Vinicius leading the attack.
Confirmed Real Madrid XI against Bayern
Lunin; Lucas Vázquez, Rüdiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Kroos, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.
The returning Courtois is joined on the bench by fellow goalkeeper Kepa, Eder Militão, Nacho or Camavinga, Fran García, Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos, Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz and Joselu.
Carvajal and the injured David Alaba are the only two players that were unavailable for selection but did travel to Munich with the rest of the squad and will watch the match at the Allianz Arena from the stands.