. Carlo Ancelotti’s team has momentum as well, having defeated Rayo Vallecano in La Liga over the weekend.
Atletico, meanwhile, had a miserable few days after faltering against Getafe and dropping to third place in the La Liga standings. Diego Simeone’s team will have to work hard and come up with something exceptional to turn the tide in front of their home crowd.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Here’s how to watch this Champions League match in the U.S.:
Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy also sat out against Rayo, though all three are expected to slot back into the lineup. Bellingham’s return from suspension will likely be the only major change, potentially leaving Brahim Díaz unlucky to drop out despite his match-winning heroics in the first leg.
Real Madrid predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy — Tchouameni, Camavinga — Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vini Jr — Mbappe
Against Getafe, Nahuel Molina and Robin Le Normand were the only two fresh faces in the starting lineup compared to the side that took the field at the Bernabéu. Despite the defeat, both could retain their spots, with the key selection question revolving around Molina and Pablo Barrios — a choice that will ultimately determine where Marcos Llorente slots in.
Julian Alvarez’s spectacular strike in the first leg wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment — it was his seventh goal in nine Champions League outings this season. The Brazilian also etched his name into Atletico’s history books, …
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