REAL MADRID
Real Madrid confirmed starting XI against RB Leipzig in the Champions League
Brahim replaces Bellingham in a strong Real Madrid starting XI against RB Leipzig.
Real Madrid return to their favourite competition: the Champions League. They do so on German soil, against RB Leipzig (KO 3pm ET / 12pm PT), one of the teams that beat them in the last edition of the continental competition.
On paper, Ancelotti’s men should have no problems to emerge victorious in the two-legged tie; they will play the second leg on March 6 at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
For this trip to Germany, Ancelotti has called up 23 players in a squad that includes four youth team members: defenders Carrillo and Jacobo (who were already called up last Saturday for the match against Girona) and midfielders Nico Paz and Mario Martín, who are alternating between Castilla and the first team. Nico Paz has already made his debut in the first team and managed to score a goal in the Champions League against Napoli at the Bernabéu.
Who will replace Bellingham against RB Leipzig?
For the game against the Germans, Ancelotti has important absences in four areas of the pitch: Courtois, Militão, Alaba, Rüdiger and Bellingham, who was the victim of a severe sprain that will keep him off the pitch for the next three weeks: replacing the Englishman is the main doubt that runs through the mind of the Italian coach.
Carletto had several options for such a hole in his team. The most obvious option is that of Brahim. The midfielder from Málaga has always been the natural replacement for the Englishman until now, and has produced fantastic performances when given the chance.
Brahim has 7 goals in 27 games, as well as 3 assists. It was quite a tough start to the season for the player, who barely had any minutes, but little by little he changed his position in the squad heirarchy.
Who will play for Real Madrid against Leipzig?
The other options for change appear in the middle of the field and in the attacking line. Luka Modric could have featured into the centre of the pitch, appearing close to the opponent’s goal. Alas, he was left on the bench in favour of a midfield of Kroos, Valverde and Camavinga.
The second selectionoption for Ancelotti was that of Joselu as a poaching centre-forward: a player who would help to stretch the play and linking up with both Vinicius and Rodrygo when creating attacks, he has been doing well across the season.
Furthermore, Ancelotti welcomes back Nacho, who will start as a pair with Tchouaméni, who was impressive against Girona. With the Frenchman occupying the central position, Real Madrid are yet to concede. That will move Carvajal back to the right back slot, while Mendy will occupy the left side.
In the middle of the pitch, Camavinga will be in the double pivot alongside Kroos, with Valverde occupying the right side. Up top, it’s as you’d expect, with the Brazilian duo set to play: Vinicius will reach 50 games in the Champions League, and Rodrygo, 200 games with Madrid in all competitions.
Real Madrid’s confirmed starting XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Tchouaméni, Nacho, Mendy; Kroos, Camavinga, Valverde, Brahim; Vinicius & Rodrygo.