Real Madrid vs Atletico lineups: Predicted XIs, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League | OneFootball

Both managers are expected to make changes

Real Madrid have been boosted by the return of Federico Valverde ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.

However, Jude Bellingham misses the round of 16 first-leg meeting at the Santiago Bernabeu after picking up his third yellow card of the season during the 3-1 win over Manchester City in the playoff round last month.

Federico Valverde has given Real Madrid a huge boost ahead of the huge Champions League tie

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In addition, fellow midfielder Dani Ceballos is sidelined with a leg injury sustained in the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg win over Real Sociedad last week that is expected to keep him out of action for up to a month.

This does leave the current holders of the competition short of numbers in the engine room, but they have more than enough quality to cope with the absences.

Eduardo Camavinga is expected to return to the starting lineup alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, whilst captain Luka Modric could get another runout, though Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz are alternative options.

In attack, Kylian Mbappe is set to start despite not training much recently due to a problem with his tooth. The Frenchman will lead the line, supported by Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.

Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, Asencio, Mendy; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Modric; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Injured: Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos

Suspended: Jude Bellingham

Return: Julian Alvarez

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Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are nearly at full strength as Diego Simeone aims to build on the clean sheet from Saturday’s 1-0 win over Athletic Club - a result that saw them leapfrog their rivals in the La Liga table.

Captain Koke is set to miss out through injury, whilst Cesar Azpilicueta is a doubt after missing Monday’s training session with knock that has sidelined him for the last two games.

As a result, Simeone could revert to a similar team that started last week’s thrilling 4-4 draw with Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg.

This would see recalls for Marcos Llorente, Conor Gallagher and Jose Gimenez after they were all rested to the bench at the weekend. As was Julian Alvarez and he is likely to return to the starting lineup after scoring the winner against Athletic within seven minutes of being introduced.

Atletico Madrid predicted XI: Oblak; Llorente, Gimenez, Le Normand, Galan; Simeone, de Paul, Barrios, Gallagher; Griezmann, Alvarez

Injured: Koke

Doubt: Cesar Azpilicueta

Time and date: 8pm GMT on Tuesday 4 March 2025

Venue: Santiago Bernabeu

TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports