Valverde, Asencio start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Real Madrid can line up against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

The knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League get underway tonight and reigning champions Real Madrid are in action at the Santiago Bernabeu as they host neighbours Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Round of 16 encounter.

The Merengues come into the match on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Betis in La Liga and will need to step up against Diego Simeone’s men tonight.

The previous two matches between the Spanish capital giants this season have ended in draws and Real Madrid will want to avoid a repeat and grab a victory so as to go into the second leg at the Metropolitano with an advantage.

Real Madrid go into the game with their midfield department weakened by the absences of Jude Bellingham (suspension) and Dani Ceballos (injury), while Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are also out injured.

The good news, though, is that key midfielder Federico Valverde trained without any problem on Monday and has been named in the squad list after missing the last two matches with a hamstring problem.

With the game set to kick off in under 12 hours, here’s how Carlo Ancelotti could set his Real Madrid team up against Simeone’s Atletico.

Defence

The goalkeeping spot for Real Madrid will, as usual, be taken up by key superstar Thibaut Courtois, who will need to be at the top of his game against his former club.

Meanwhile, there are likely to be a couple of changes in the defensive line as Raul Asencio should be reinstated at the heart of the backline after being surprisingly left out against Real Betis. David Alaba will make way.

Asencio will return to the lineup. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The other change should see Federico Valverde slot in at right-back, after impressing in the position against Manchester City. He will start ahead of Lucas Vazquez, whose defensive vulnerabilities are a major cause of concern.

Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy will complete the rest of the defensive line for the home team.

Midfield

The absence of Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham is a cause for worry, considering that both were in top form in recent weeks. So, it will be interesting to see how Ancelotti opts to deal with the issue.

What is certain is that Aurelien Tchouameni will occupy one of the two pivot positions in the middle of the park, from where he will look to provide solidity and strength in midfield.

While captain Luka Modric is an option, the Real Madrid manager could lean towards Eduardo Camavinga as Tchouameni’s partner to add more physicality and energy in midfield against Atletico.

Brahim Diaz ought to be the direct replacement for Bellingham as the attacking midfielder, with his vision and creativity becoming key to unlocking a stubborn Atleti defence.

Attack

The front three of Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. pick themselves for Real Madrid and must fire on all cylinders, especially after a dull showing against Real Betis over the weekend.

Endrick and Arda Guler will be options from the bench.