Real Madrid have little room for error against Salzburg at the Bernabéu as the UCL competition phase reaches matchday seven.
A crucial match against Salzburg at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu awaits Real Madrid on matchday seven of the 2024/25 Champions League on Wednesday (January 22).
Los Blancos, the current defending champions, know that a shock defeat to the Austrians could prove catastrophic if they are to qualify for the round of 16 and retain their European title.
However, they face a side who have won just one of their previous six games in the league, against Feyenoord in November. Salzburg have recently changed coaches and are all the way down to fifth place in the Austrian Bundesliga, a competition they have dominated for the past decade.
Key players back for Real Madrid
For Wednesday's match, Carlo Ancelotti has one key player back: Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian attacker is starting after missing the weekend victory over Las Palmas last Sunday due to suspension.
Another man who is available again is the Frenchman Aurelién Tchouaméni, who has recovered from a minor leg injury. Everything indicates that the midfielder will be in the middle of the field next to Dani Ceballos, who performed excellently against Las Palmas.
Lucas Vázquez misses Madrid-Salzburg
On the other hand, Lucas Vázquez, who plays as a right back due to the long absence of Dani Carvajal, is missing due to a suspension. Fede Valverde is expected to take his place in the back four.
David Alaba, who made his return to the field after an ACL tear in the win at Las Palmas, is back in contention to play and could get some game time off the bench. That would also allow Ancelotti to give Antonio Rudiger a break.
The German should line up in central defense with Raúl Asencio, with Fran García preferred to Ferland Mendy on the left.
In attack, the usual front three of Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius are expected to start, with Jude Bellingham in support.
Possible starting line-up of Real Madrid against Salzburg
The starting XI that Ancelotti could field against Salzburg are probably: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Fran García; Tchouameni, Ceballos; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe.
Ancelotti's selection is completed by: Andriy Lunin, Fran González, Alaba, Jesús Vallejo, Jacobo Ramón, Mendy, Luka Modric, Chema Andrés, Brahim Díaz, Arda Güler and Endrick.
In addition to the suspended Vázquez, Carvajal, Eduardo Camavinga and Eder Militão are also out due to injury.
Comments