Ancelotti to tackle Pep with Champions League chess match tactics

Valverde will be at right back, in the absence of Lucas Vázquez. The doubt is in the middle: Modric or Ceballos.

With a shaky defence—putting it mildly—but a world-class forward line, Real Madrid will head to the Etihad to play Manchester City in the Champions League for a match that seems destined to be a shootout. However, don’t bet the house on it—football is always full of surprises.

The latest setback is Lucas Vázquez’s hamstring tear, which will sideline him for three weeks. As a result, Valverde is locked in at right-back. That much is certain. From there, a domino effect takes hold in midfield.

With Tchouaméni forced into a centre-back role, both of Real Madrid’s usual starters in that position will be playing out of place. This opens the door for adjustments in the midfield. In that context, Camavinga is almost a given—his defensive contributions and ability to thrive in a high-intensity match make him indispensable. The real debate is over his midfield partner: Modric or Ceballos? Ancelotti is still weighing his options.

Who will play for Real Madrid against Manchester City?

The rest of the lineup seems set. Asensio will start, and Mendy will return to left-back—despite lingering doubts, he remains Ancelotti’s go-to man for big nights. Up front, the Fantastic Four will lead the charge.

Bellingham will take up his usual playmaker role, with Rodrygo shifting to the right, Vinícius reclaiming the left flank where he made headlines in 2022 (remember that brilliant nutmeg on Fernandinho?), and Mbappé spearheading the attack.

Predicted Real Madrid XI vs. Manchester City

Courtois; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Asensio, Mendy; Modric or Ceballos, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé.

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