Ferland Mendy, Luka Modric, and Arda Guler will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup for the UEFA Champions League tie with Brest at Stade Francis Le Ble on Wednesday.
Real Madrid will be eager to secure a place in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League standings when they lock horns with Stade Brestois 29 at Stade Francis Le Ble on Wednesday night. And Carlo Ancelotti has no new roster issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Vinicius Junior is not in the travelling squad to take on Brest as he misses another game due to suspension. The star attacker is unavailable for Wednesday’s clash after picking up his third yellow card of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign against Red Bull Salzburg on Matchday 7.
The Brazilian international accompanies Dani Carvajal (knee), Eder Militao (knee), and Eduardo Camavinga (hamstring) on the sidelines. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti did not provide any fitness updates but spoke about his team’s recent improvement, focusing on Kylian Mbappe’s form.
The Real Madrid manager said, “The team is getting better. We haven’t been at our best recently, but we’re getting closer to it now. Everyone here fully understands what we have to do. We’ve improved as a team and on an individual level as well. Mbappé is contributing a lot, but we can’t ignore all that Rodrygo and Bellingham are doing either. The same goes for Vini, although he’ll miss out tomorrow.”
“Kylian has done a great job. He needed a bit of time to settle in, and his fitness has really improved as well. Now he looks good and he’s highly motivated. We should underline the fact he enjoys playing with this team and we’re enjoying having him. All madridismo is enjoying the quality he possesses.”
Thibaut Courtois will retain his spot between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Stade Brestois 29 on Wednesday. The backline should feature Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy, with Vazquez and Mendy returning to the starting lineup.
As for the midfield unit, Luka Modric should pair up with Aurelien Tchouameni in the double pivot. Jude Bellingham will reprise the no. 10 role again, with Arda Guler making a rare start on the right flank. Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe will complete the numbers in the final third, with the former continuing on the left wing in Vinicius Junior’s absence.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Modric, Tchouameni; Guler, Bellingham, Rodrygo; Mbappe
