Real Madrid predicted line-up vs. AC Milan: Champions League

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Just nine days after an embarrassing defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico, Real Madrid returns to the Champions League match against AC Milan.

Nothing has gone right for Real Madrid in the last two weeks. The defending Spanish champions conceded four goals at home to Barcelona on October 26, giving their arch-rivals an even bigger lead at the top of the La Liga standings. Vinícius Júnior then controversially lost the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Rodri on 28 October.

With so much disappointment surrounding the club’s closing time in October, Los Blancos must now turn their attention to the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti’s former club head to Madrid as they look to hand Real Madrid their second home defeat in as many games.

The good news for the hosts is that Rodrygo is in Real Madrid’s squad. The Brazilian picked up a thigh injury in the team’s 5-2 win over Borussia Dortmund on October 22, but recovered quickly enough to possibly feature in Tuesday’s clash. Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are still on the sidelines due to various injuries.

This is what Real Madrid’s XI could look like against Paulo Fonseca’s men on Tuesday, November 5.

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GK: Andriy Lunin– With Courtois still on the sidelines, Lunin is ready for his fourth start of the season.

RB: Lucas Vázquez– The Spaniard has yet to produce a decisive performance on the right flank in Carvajal’s absence. Vázquez struggled massively in defense in Real Madrid’s last two matches.

CB: Éder Militão—Militão matches up well with former Real Madrid man Álvaro Morata, who has not scored for Milan since September 27.

CB: Antonio Rudiger-Despite fitness issues, Rüdiger should be ready to go on Tuesday night. The centre-back has found the back of the net in two of Los Blancos’ three UCL matches this season.

LB: Ferland Mendy-Mendy must lock down Christian Pulisic if Real Madrid want to avoid conceding more goals for the third game in a row.

CM: Federico Valverde-Ancelotti’s most consistent and reliable player will make his 16th consecutive start for Los Blancos this season.

CM: Eduardo Camavinga– Perhaps the only standout in Real Madrid’s disastrous El Clásico defeat, Camavinga’s defensive prowess earned him a place in Ancelotti’s XI.

CM: Luka Modrić-The 39-year-old’s creativity will be a welcome addition to a Real Madrid side that scored zero goals in its previous game. Modrić’s set-piece delivery and playmaking ability will be crucial to overcoming a stingy Milan back line.

CAM: Jude Bellingham– After several experiments with playing right midfielder, expect Bellingham to return to his natural position on Tuesday. The England international has yet to find the back of the net this season.

ST: Kylian Mbappé– After a poor performance in his first El Clásico, Mbappé will be eager to bounce back against Milan. The Frenchman has just one UCL goal to his name for Real Madrid.

ST: Vinícius Júnior— The Brazilian returns to the field for the first time since losing the Ballon d’Or in 2024. Vinícius Jr.’s last UCL appearance ended with a hat-trick against Dortmund.

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