Real Madrid possible starting XI against Salzburg in the Champions League

Real Madrid have little margin for error against Salzburg at the Bernabéu as the UCL league phase reaches matchday seven.

A crucial game 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 a shock defeat against the Austrians could prove catastrophic as they look to qualify for the round of 16 and retain their European title.

However, they are up against a team that has only won one of their six previous games in the competition, against Feyenoord in November. Salzburg have recently changed coach and are all the way down in fifth place in the Austrian Bundesliga, a league they have dominated for the past 10 years.

Key players back for Real Madrid

For Wednesday’s game, Carlo Ancelotti has one key player back: Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian attacker is set to start after missing the weekend win over Las Palmas last Sunday due to suspension.

Another man who is available again is Frenchman Aurelién Tchouaméni, who has recovered from a minor leg injury. Everything points to the midfielder lining up alongside Dani Ceballos, who performed excellently against Las Palmas, in the centre of the field.

Lucas Vázquez to miss Madrid vs Salzburg

On the flip side, Lucas Vázquez, who has been playing at right-back due to Dani Carvajal’s long-term absence, misses out due to suspension. Fede Valverde is expected to drop into the back four in his place.

David Alaba, who made his on-field return from an ACL tear in the Las Palmas win, is again in contention to play and could get some game time from the bench. That would also enable Ancelotti to give Antonio Rüdiger a break.

The German should line up in central defence with Raúl Asencio, with Fran García preferred to Ferland Mendy on the left.

In attack, the usual front three of Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius is expected to start, with Jude Bellingham in support.

Real Madrid’s possible starting lineup against Salzburg

The starting eleven that Ancelotti could field against Salzburg is likely to be: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Fran García; Tchouameni, Ceballos; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé.

Ancelotti’s squad 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 out through injury.