Real Madrid’s expected lineup against Salzburg

Real Madrid’s defense of their Champions League title has been far from impressive, but Los Blancos can secure their place in the knockout stage of the competition on Wednesday night.

Struggling European giants Red Bull Salzburg host the Santiago Bernabeu, knowing that a win will likely guarantee them a play-off place at the end of the league stage, but the Spanish giants cannot afford to be complacent in midweek having already lost to Lille, AC Milan and Italy. Liverpool in contention.

carlo ancelotti, Who has recently been linked with a move away from Madrid this summerhas some defensive puzzles to solve before Wednesday night, but has seen his side hit their stride in the final third since the turn of the year.

Here’s how Madrid He could line up in an important duel with Austrian club Salzburg.

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid’s defensive issues mean Courtois can be expected to be put to work on Wednesday, even by an under-achieving Salzburg who visit the Spanish capital under his leadership. New management.

Right-back: Federico Valverde – Dani Carvajal’s season-ending injury and Lucas Vazquez’s European suspension means Ancelotti will overhaul his defence. Valverde, who has played at right-back at times this season, is likely to replace the absent Spaniards.

Centre-back: Raul Asensio – Injuries at centre-back have caused problems for Real Madrid this season, but the silver lining has been youngster Asensio, who has impressed greatly during his regular forays into the first team.

Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger – David Alaba’s long-awaited return at the weekend bolsters Ancelotti’s options in defence, and Rudiger will be keen to see the Austrian line up alongside him sooner rather than later.

Left-back: Ferland Mendy – Fran Garcia has started Real Madrid’s last two matches, but Mendy could be favored in midweek, with rest and rotation important for Los Blancos after a hectic start to the calendar year.

Direct Defender: Luka Modric – Suspended for Weekend win over Las PalmasModric will be called into the engine room on Wednesday after injuries to Aurelien Chouamini and Eduardo Camavinga.

Direct defender: Dani Ceballos – It has not been a familiar start for Ceballos this season, but he has been named in the starting lineup for the last two matches. With Valverde shifted to right-back, he should score a hat-trick against Salzburg.

Right wing: Rodrigo – The Brazilian impressed on Sunday afternoon, adding a fourth goal after half-time. He has now scored three goals in his last four appearances for Los Blancos and will fancy his chances of adding to his tally against a porous Salzburg.

AM: Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid endured a frustrating afternoon at the weekend in relation to the Video Assistant Referee, which disallowed three goals for the Spanish champions. Bellingham is one of those who saw his efforts stalled.

Left wing: Vinicius Junior – Vinicius joined Modric in the stands on Sunday as he also missed through suspension, but the indefatigable star will return in midweek. He has scored five in the same number UEFA Champions League matches this season.

Striker: Kylian Mbappe – After a slow start to life in Spain, Mbappe has found his feet. Eight goals in his last ten have boosted confidence levels and the Frenchman will be keen to punish Salzburg when Thomas Leitch returns.

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