Carlo Ancelotti will likely name a familiar lineup to face Celtic as the Real Madrid boss eyes a first-ever win at Celtic Park as manager.
Carlo Ancelotti might be one of the most decorated managers in world football, but he also has several chinks in his armour. For instance, the Italian tactician has never won at Celtic Park, coaching some of the biggest football teams in Europe.
He could have another chance to correct that record when Real Madrid begin the defence of their UEFA Champions League title against the Scottish champions at Celtic Park on Tuesday night. Ancelotti was asked about many things during his pre-match press conference, and the subject of not winning at this venue popped up.
Celtic vs Real Madrid Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Ancelotti said, “It’s proved to be a very tough stadium for my teams. I’m in no doubt about that. I’ve brought teams here several times: in the group stage, in the last 16. It’s a very tough stadium, but the atmosphere is amazing. I love it when my team plays in an atmosphere like this. I hope to get that win here finally.”
On team news, Real Madrid do not have many problems going into the clash against Celtic. They have momentum on their side and a fully fit squad. However, Ancelotti could make necessary changes by bringing in Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde.
Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo Goes could make way for the duo, but the team may otherwise look familiar. Ancelotti could have pondered handing Antonio Rudiger a place in the back four, but the Real Madrid boss might prefer to keep things intact at the back for now.
Eder Militao and David Alaba will likely start at the heart of the Real Madrid defence, with Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy deployed on either side as the full-backs. Aurelien Tchouameni should be the preferred choice to reprise the holding midfield role against Celtic, given Casemiro no longer plays for Real Madrid.
Vinicius Junior is steadily becoming the key man in the attacking setup and will have the formidable Karim Benzema to lead the line for the European champions against Celtic. Valverde will take up a more conservative role on the right side of the Real Madrid attack.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Tchouameni, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicus Jr.
