Diomande, Vinicius to start | Predicted Real Madrid line-up against RB Leipzig
UEFA Champions League nights return to the Santiago Bernabeu, as Real Madrid will lock horns against an ever-impressive RB Leipzig, in what promises to be an exciting fixture.
The last time these two sides met was in 2023/24 in the round of 16 of this competition, with Los Blancos managing to scrape past the Germans on a 2-1 aggregate over two legs.
Jose Mourinho seems to have a newfound formula to victory; hence it shall be interesting to see whether the Portuguese sticks to that formula or switches back to the old ways.
That being said, here is how Real Madrid is expected to line up against RB Leipzig.
Predicted Real Madrid line-up against RB Leipzig
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian shot-stopper had a difficult day to endure last week against AS Roma as the Italians managed to put 3 past him. He is yet to keep a clean sheet in the UCL so far, and tonight presents an opportunity to do so.
RB: Fede Valverde
Despite having Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold at his disposal, Jose Mourinho is expected to start the Uruguayan in defence in the next two matches.
CB: Ibrahima Konate
The Frenchman is turning out to be an important signing for Los Blancos as he seems to be a regular starter this season, owing to his solid performances so far.
CB: Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger might keep Dean Huijsen out of the side for a second week in a row. The 33-year-old veteran’s goal-scoring ability, combined with a rock-solid defence, makes him the first choice for Jose Mourinho.
LB: Alvaro Carreras
Carreras put on a solid show when he came on against Roma in the 78th minute and helped in keeping the dangerous Italian attack at bay. Although it was his Spanish compatriot who started in the next match, Carreras will have an opportunity to make this left-back position his own.
CM: Arda Guler
The youngster has proven to be the creative engine of this Real Madrid team and was the wrecker-in-chief in the Roma match and scored a sensational goal against Sevilla over the weekend. He is expected to play as a deep-lying playmaker.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni
Although his performance has been above average at best, Mourinho seems to prefer the Frenchman, and since the Valverde-Tchouameni pivot experiment did not yield positive results, the 26-year-old will partner up with Guler.
RW: Yan Diomande
After a slow start to his Real Madrid career, Diomande has come into his own after the international break. Mourinho made it clear in the pre-match presser that it will be Vinicius starting on the left; it is hard to believe the Portuguese will leave Diomande out, who has been in red-hot form.
CAM: Jude Bellingham
The Englishman has carried his World Cup form into Real Madrid colours and has recorded 6 G/A in 11 outings this season. He has proven to be an important cog in this team and will keep his place in the starting line-up.
LW: Vinicius Junior
Tonight presents another opportunity for the Brazilian to change his fortunes after what has been a difficult season to endure so far. With his league suspension ending after three matches, it is a golden opportunity for Vini to rest, relax and regain his mojo for a team that needs him.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
It is hard to see a UCL starting line-up without the French talisman. Mbappe shifted to the left wing after Vini was subbed off last week and Espi played as a striker. There were positive signs, but the World Cup winner is expected to slot into the striker role yet again.
