Real Madrid will face Arsenal in the first leg of their crucial Champions League semi-final on April 8th at the Emirates Stadium. Los Blancos are aiming to win their 16th Champions League trophy.
Both Real Madrid and Arsenal have a number of key players sidelined due to injuries. Real Madrid will also miss Aurélien Tchouameni, who is suspended for the first leg. Therefore, Ancelotti will need to make some tactical adjustments for this matchup.
Here is the predicted XI for Real Madrid first leg matchup against Arsenal:
GK - Thibaut Courtois
There were initially doubts about whether Courtois could return from injury in time for the Arsenal matchup. Thankfully, recent reports confirm that he will be fit before April 8th. With Courtois back in the team, it’s a no-brainer that he will start the match.
RB - Fede Valverde
Valverde has proven he’s more than capable of playing as a right back, even though it isn’t his natural position. Given Lucas Vazquez’s recent form, it’s no surprise that Ancelotti will likely opt to play Valverde at right back.
CB - Raul Asensio
Asensio has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. He’s one of Real Madrid’s standout performers and will likely get the nod ahead of David Alaba, who has returned from a long-term injury.
CB - Antonio Rudiger
On his day, Rudiger is one of the best center-backs in the world. He will start alongside Asensio as usual. Rudiger is reliable at the back and has consistently shown his ability to perform at a high level in big matches.
LB - Fran Garcia
Garcia is expected to start the match. Ferland Mendy is sidelined due to injury, so Fran García will get his chance to prove himself in this high-stakes matchup.
CDM - Eduardo Camavinga
Camavinga will start at the defensive midfield position since Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended for one match after picking up a yellow card in the second leg against Atletico Madrid. Camavinga needs to be sharp and distribute the ball effectively from his deep position.
CM - Luka Modric
With Camavinga moving to a deeper role, Luka Modric is expected to start in central midfield. Real Madrid doesn’t have many options due to injuries, but we all know that even though Modrić is past his prime, he still performs better than most midfielders out there. Plus, Modric surely knows a thing or two about playing in the Champions League!
CM - Jude Bellingham
Undoubtedly, the English midfielder will start alongside Modric in central midfield. Bellingham has been an integral part of the Real Madrid squad since day one and has come in clutch in crucial moments.
RW - Rodrygo Goes
Rodrygo has delivered some memorable performances in the Champions League, with his latest coming against Atlético in the first leg of the quarter-finals. He is expected to start on the right wing.
ST - Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe will undoubtedly start as the central striker against Arsenal. After a slow start to the season, Mbappe has turned things around and hasn’t looked back since. He will be a constant threat to Arsenal along with Vinicius Junior.
LW - Vinicius Junior
There are no doubts that Vinicius will start alongside Mbappe and Rodrygo up front. He will look to exploit the Arsenal defense with his attacking runs down the left flank.
Real Madrid have faced Arsenal in the Champions League only once before this matchup, which they unfortunately lost. They will surely look to settle the score and make it to the finals. It is time to bring home the 16th trophy. We look forward to this exciting clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal.