Real Madrid's second leg versus Arsenal is one of the most crucial games Los Blancos will play this season. It's a do or death situation for both the club and Carlo Ancelotti. A departure from the quarterfinals of the tournament they are so enthusiastic about would be not only embarrassing, but also a significant setback to the club's operations.
As it stands, Real Madrid is more out of the tournament than in. Both powerhouses are set to fight at the Santiago Bernabeu in less than 24 hours, so without further ado, here is an effort to put together a combined XI for both explosive sides.
GK Thibaut Courtois
Between the sticks, the big Belgian number 1 from Los Blancos is possibly the best in the world and should be without a doubt in the starting eleven. David Raya is a good alternative but is not enough to bench Thibaut Courtois. With Man of the Match performances in the Champions League finals and important moments when the club direly needed him, Courtois always rose to the occasion and clinched the limelight.
RB Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber has been a consistent performer for Arsenal thus far. Mikel Arteta does not appear to be harmed by his presence on the right. Furthermore, Real Madrid have been without a starting right back for an extended period of time. Relying on Lucas Vazquez makes little sense. This is definitely the easiest choice.
CB Antonio Rudiger
Defensive worries have hurt Real Madrid a lot in the recent past, while Arsenal have been one of the best defensive sides in both league and Europe. So having majority of the Arsenal does make sense, albeit Antonio Rudiger’s strong physical presence and goal scoring knack gets him the spot in the starting eleven.
CB William Saliba
William Saliba is another such name that is known for the knack of scoring important goals from set pieces, so the French international partners Rudiger at the back. His defense is also hardly questionable. A solid partner with Rudiger.
LB Myles Lewis Skelly
The young duo of Arsenal full backs edge past both the positions in full back roles, the right back spot has been one of the weakinks of Real this season while the young talented Lewis-Skelly edges past Fran Garcia and Mendy on the left.
AM Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham is certainly one of the most prolific midfielders in the world lately. The Birmingham boy has had wonders for Dortmund, English National team and now for Los Blancos and has also developed physically with time, adding another depth to his gameplay.
DM Declan Rice
Declan Rice, especially with the brace in the first leg, must be the first name on the scoresheet. Another name that can lead the team, take the baton when things go south, and score when the team needs- another English midfielder at the heart of the pitch.
CM Fede Valverde
The third and final name on the sheet - Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan captain ranks ahead of the legend Luka Modric in pecking order, as does he ahead of Partey, Camavinga, Tchouameni and others simply because of the workload he is capable to take in. He has played in 6 different positions this season and has also taken the captain's armband against Leganes for the Madrid side.
RW Bukayo Saka
The right wing spot was probably the narrowest margin a player slid in to the starting eleven, with Rodrygo arguably being the best forward for Real Madrid this season in some opinions. But the quality of Bukayo Saka is also undeniable, and the fact he is in a great shape and form ever since coming back from the injury scraped through.
ST Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe - arguably the best player in the world playing for the biggest team in the world was a no brainer. Also considering the fact that Arsenal do not have an outright competitor to him in the spot, due their lack of options as a number 9, makes things easier for the French international, albeit there remains almost no one who can snatch that spot when Mbappe is in the question.
LW Vinicius Jr
Vinicius Jr was an obvious choice largely for the incredible couple of seasons he is having for Los Blancos. All in all, this combined eleven has 6 Real Madrid and 5 Arsenal players, with Arsenal being heavy on the defensive side of things while Real Madrid's attack outpowering Arsenal's strength up top.