Real Madrid confirmed starting lineup against Union Berlin in the Champions League

Real Madrid visit Union Berlin on match day six of the Champions League group stage (KO 3 p.m. ET / noon PT.) in what will be a game with very little riding on it for Los Blancos; they have already qualified for the Round of 16 as group winners after winning all five matches. The only things at stake for Ancelotti’s side are pride, the chance to complete a perfect group stage and the €2.8 million that each team receives for winning a match at this stage of the competition.

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The situation gives room for massive rotations, although given the injury list they are not as heavy as they might have otherwise been: Camavinga, Vinicius, Carvajal, Güler, Tchouaméni, Courtois and Militão are all out. It is almost a third of the squad in the injury room and most of them are starters. Despite the squad strain, Ancelotti will indeed make several changes to the XI to manage playing time for the squad.

Will Ancelotti choose Kepa or Lunin?

In goal we have the first surprise: Kepa will play, as confirmed by Carlo himself at the press conference. Lunin has taken over the position as things stand, and the competition is a healthy one for both players.

In defence, the absence of Carvajal leaves the right back position to Lucas Vázquez; at left back, we will see another rotation: Fran García will play in place of Mendy, who has racked up several starts in a row. Nacho will come in for Rüdiger at the centre of defence, partnering Alaba.

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Ancelotti to rotate in Champions League

In midfield, rotations are very limited due to the multiple absentees. However, Valverde will rest to allow Kroos to fill in as the holding midfielder, with Ceballos and Modric in a more advanced role. The biggest surprise of them all comes in the shape of Nico Paz, who was thought a good chance of starting in the midfield to give Jude Bellingham some well-earned time off. However, the Englishman makes the cut for the XI.

And in attack, Rodrygo was thought to be set up for a start on the bench to make way for Joselu, but it is not the case. Brahim will start on the bench instead despite rumours of Ancelotti wanting to keep him in the XI to continue his fantastic form.

On the bench we will see Lunin, Lucas Cañizares, Vinicius Tobias, Rüdiger, Mendy, Valverde, Mario Martín, Nico Paz, Brahim and Gonzalo. It will, therefore, be a good opportunity to see more canteranos (youth team players) in the second half.

Who will play for Real Madrid against Union Berlin?