Carlo Ancelotti Already Has a Team to Face Atlético de Madrid in the First Leg of the Champions League Round of 16.
This Is Real Madrid's line-up to Beat Atlético de Madrid
Real Madrid will take the field with Courtois; Valverde, Asensio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Brahim; Vinícius, Mbappé, and Rodrygo.
Lucas Vázquez is left out and Ancelotti insists with Valverde at right-back. He Recovers Asensio, after the punishment against Betis, and sends Alaba to the bench.
In front, the star-studded trio. Meanwhile, Brahim will take Bellingham's place, leaving Modric on the bench, and sharing the midfield with Tchouaméni and Camavinga.
A Very Physical Midfield that lacks the talent of Bellingham, Modric, or even Ceballos for playmaking.
This Is How Real Madrid Will Play
Real Madrid will play with a 4-4-2 in defense, with Rodrygo and Brahim helping on the wings alongside the two French midfielders, with Valverde's support on the right wing. Meanwhile, Mbappé and Vinícius will focus on running toward Oblak's goal.
Two hours earlier it was drizzling over Bernabéu, but the retractable roof will prevent the game from being marred by rain.
This is Atlético's line-up: Oblak, Marcos Llorente, Giménez, Lenglet, Javi Galán, Simeone, Barrios, De Paul, Lino, Julián Álvarez, and Griezmann.
Both Ancelotti and Cholo Simeone take for granted that today's match won't solve anything. That is, there won't be significant differences. And that everything will be decided at Metropolitano.
A Spectacular Tifo
Real Madrid's fans will welcome Atlético de Madrid with a spectacular 360º tifo. It will be composed of purple and white cards that will form the 15 Champions League titles won by Real Madrid.
The club expects to reach the figure of 80,000 spectators, something that Bernabéu hasn't yet achieved with its latest format. 1,900 police officers will ensure security.
There will also be strict controls at the entrances. The club recommends its fans arrive well in advance to avoid last-minute queues.