Spanish media has revealed the likely Real Madrid team for their upcoming match against Arsenal.
Carlo Ancelotti`s team faces a significant challenge as they need to overcome a 3-0 deficit against Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
To attempt this comeback, Ancelotti is expected to make several key changes to the starting lineup.
Notably, former Arsenal player Dani Ceballos is predicted to start in midfield, according to reports from AS.
Ceballos, who previously played for Arsenal on loan for two seasons, will partner with Federico Valverde. Valverde will return to his preferred midfield position after playing as a right-back in the previous match against Arsenal.
Raul Asencio is expected to take the right-back role, shifting from his usual center-back position.
This adjustment allows Aurelien Tchouameni to return to the team after serving a suspension.
Although Tchouameni is naturally a midfielder, he has frequently played in defense for Real Madrid this season due to injury issues within the squad.
Tchouameni’s inclusion means Luka Modric will likely start on the bench, and Eduardo Camavinga will miss out on the lineup.
Camavinga is suspended for this match after receiving a red card in the first leg.
Real Madrid’s forward line is expected to remain unchanged, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo leading the attack to try and advance to the next stage of the competition.
Jude Bellingham is set to play just behind the front three. David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are expected to continue as the central defensive partnership, with Thibaut Courtois in goal.
This team news follows a strong message from Real Madrid to Arsenal on social media, indicating their determination to overturn the deficit.
Real Madrid has historically struggled to recover from a 3-0 deficit in Champions League two-legged ties.
However, they have a history of remarkable comebacks, having successfully overturned first-leg losses in three out of four instances.
Notably, Real Madrid has come back from behind against teams like Wolfsburg in 2015-2016, as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City in 2021-2022.
Ancelotti has cautioned Arsenal that “anything can happen,” especially after Arsenal’s previous victory where Declan Rice scored two impressive free kicks, and Mikel Merino added another goal.
Bellingham also expressed confidence, stating that “everyone believes it`s nailed on” that Real Madrid will still progress in the match at the Bernabeu.
