Real Madrid’s quest to reclaim the Champions League started with a 1-0 win over Union Berlin, but Carlo Ancelotti will know his side will have to improve as the campaign progresses if they are to unseat Manchester City.
Novices Union Berlin made life difficult for Los Blancos on matchday 1 and they looked set to claim a famous point before Jude Bellingham struck at the death to send the three points Madrid’s way.
Ancelotti’s men are very much expected to progress from Group C, but their toughest assignment of the opening phase arrives on Tuesday night as they visit Scudetto holders Napoli.
The Italian outfit also recorded a victory on matchday 1 at Braga, and they’ll be looking to score their first-ever win over Madrid at the fifth time of asking.
Here’s how Ancelotti’s side could line up for their trip to Naples.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – The Spaniard earned a clean sheet on his Champions League bow for the club, but he’s set to be in for a busier evening on Tuesday.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Madrid’s Iron Man is a sure bet to start yet again with Ancelotti’s options at right-back slim.
CB: Nacho – Despite his late dismissal on Saturday, Nacho has to continue in the team given Madrid’s absences at the heart of defence.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Rudiger will be a mainstay throughout Madrid’s Champions League campaign with Eder Militao out.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Ancelotti has a couple of options here, and he deployed Eduardo Camavinga at left-back at Girona. However, he should change tack in Naples and opt for the powerful Ferland Mendy.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – The Frenchman has grown in prominence at the start of 2023/24 and looks to be favoured over Camavinga at the base of midfield.
CM: Federico Valverde – The indefatigable Valverde has enjoyed a fine start to the season and is an imperative figure in Ancelotti’s midfield. He’ll be key in disrupting Napoli’s metronomic trio on Tuesday.
CM: Luka Modric – The Croatian’s role has certainly diminished and he was an unused substitute again at the weekend. However, given that he is fresh (and still very good at football), Ancelotti could bring the wily Modric back in on Tuesday.
AM: Jude Bellingham – He’s got to be the first name on the teamsheet, right? A late Bellingham strike handed Madrid victory on matchday 1 and the Englishman once again found the back of the net on Saturday.
ST: Rodrygo – It’s not been the best start to the season for Rodrygo, but he should be aided by the return of his compatriot from injury.
ST: Vinicius Jr – The Brazilian’s return is a massive boost for Los Blancos after he spent a few weeks on the sidelines. He adds another dimension to an otherwise one-paced attack, and should be able to exploit to holes Napoli’s defence may surrender in behind.
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