Dani Carvajal is the main absentee for Carlo Ancelotti, who must decide where Aurélien Tchouaméni plays after a UCL ban.
Real Madrid’s starting lineup for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich is unlikely to differ much from the team that played from the off against Manchester City at the Etihad two weeks ago, with Dani Carvajal the major casualty.
Why isn’t Carvajal playing for Madrid against Bayern?
Carlo Ancelotti will be forced to make a change at right-back due to Carvajal serving a one-match suspension after being shown a yellow card against City. Unfortunate timing for the defender with every player’s disciplinary record reset at the start of the semi-finals. Lucas Vázquez is expected to start in his place.
In his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti has left some room for doubt with regard to his selection, especially in central midfield and defence. “Aurélien Tchouaméni is going to play tomorrow. Where? I Don’t know”.
Nacho or Camavinga to drop out for Tchouaméni?
Nacho’s excellent performance against City kept Erling Haaland quiet, giving Ancelotti food for thought. Should the club captain continue alongside Antonio Rüdiger at the back, or will the Frenchman return after a Champions League suspension? The Madrid coach’s decision will also impact Eduardo Camavinga. If Tchouaméni plays in defence, Camavinga will start. If he plays in midfield, his compatriot will drop down to the bench.
No surprised expected elsewhere
The rest of the team should pick itself. Andriy Lunin will continue in goal despite Thibaut Courtois returning to the squad after a lengthy absence; the Belgian is expected to start for the first time since August against Cádiz at the weekend.
Rüdiger is one of the first names on the team sheet in defence, while Ferland Mendy will return at left-back after missing the last two games because of a thigh problem.
In midfield, either Tchouameni or Camavinga will join Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham, with Brazilian duo Rodrygo and Vinicius leading the attack.
Possible Real Madrid XI against Bayern
Lunin; Lucas Vázquez, Rüdiger, Nacho or Tchouaméni, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouaméni or Camavinga, Kroos, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.
The returning Courtois will be joined on the bench by fellow goalkeeper Kepa, Eder Militão, Nacho or Camavinga, Fran García, Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos, Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz and Joselu.
Carvajal and the injured David Alaba are the only two players unavailable for selection but have travelled to Munich with the rest of the roster and will watch the match at the Allianz Arena from the stands.
