Champions League action returns to the Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid hosts a Leipzig side reshaped under Marco Rose. Last season, Madrid crafted memorable chapters without their prominent leader Karim Benzema, steering a remarkable comeback with Vinícius Júnior at the forefront and a squad hungry for more silverware after a flawless run in Europe. The match packages the Brazilian’s return to centrestage against an opponent once underestimated, now re-energized after a managerial change that injected fresh momentum.
Spotlights stay fixed on Vinícius, who answers with decisive goals and fearless play. He entered an extended scoring streak, stringing together five consecutive matches and reinforcing his status as a reference point for the club. This momentum comes even with Benzema sidelined by injury, leaving Celtic to challenge Madrid on a recent date away from home. Controversy has followed the Brazilian due to his style, dribbling, and exuberant celebrations, yet the team remains undeterred and focused on the task at hand.
Without Benzema, but with Vinícius
The line between provocation and passion is thin, and opponents such as Mallorca have learned that Madrid and Vini will press relentlessly. The coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has urged Vinícius to curb provocations and channel energy into the match itself. His ability to rise above criticism was on display as he answered questions about his finishing, continuing to excel even when shifted from the main striker role. The white jersey seems to suit him, and his performance remains unaffected by external noise.
Real Madrid returns home carrying the echoes of their dramatic Champions League run, the memory of a late push against Manchester City that nearly culminated in a historic fourth title. Ancelotti’s side should also recall their home stadium debut in the most recent edition of the competition, a reminder of the club’s ongoing narrative in Europe.
Facing Leipzig, Madrid carries a clear advantage over a team that arrived with a renewed sense of purpose after a dramatic early setback. The Czech-born, Moldova-raised club sheriff Tiraspol had previously sparked interest with a startling upset. The seasoned coach Carletto marks twenty-five years in European football, a milestone that fuels his ambition. Across a season that has already included a Super Cup victory, his team averages nearly 3 goals per game, and in Benzema’s absence they have explored new attacking variants to maintain momentum.
Ready for the Champions League at the Bernabéu. Este encuentro promete.
Deals for another ‘9’
Madrid declined to fill Benzema’s role with a marquee signing, choosing instead to rely on the squad’s depth and creative improvisation. The French striker’s injury left the team searching for a new pattern up front, with Ancelotti preferring players who can contribute beyond a traditional number nine. Eden Hazard showed flashes of form in Glasgow, contributing with points and assists but limited minutes overall, while Rodrygo remains a constant threat when in advanced positions, backed by speed and a relentless work rate that challenges conventional defenders.
Marco Asensio also features in discussions around rotation and minutes. After a period away from the spotlight, a recent return to form was punctuated by a sponsorship-related setback following Lucas Vázquez’s injury, which affected playing time. If he does not start, Asensio is still expected to feature as part of a squad balanced by Dani Carvajal at right-back and Antonio Rüdiger anchoring the defense.
Éder Militão has recovered, but the coach is careful with his minutes, saving him for important fixtures. The midfield pivot has re-emerged as a focal point, with Aurélien Tchouaméni providing balance and control as part of a dynamic central trio.
A ‘resurrected’ Leipzig
Leipzig visits the Bernabéu after a turbulent spell that led to a change on the bench. Marco Rose, appointed to steady things, oversaw a 3-0 league victory that acted as a turning point for the side. In their latest outings, Leipzig showed a more confident face, even as they endured a difficult run that included heavy results in domestic and continental competition.
Against Madrid, Rose’s first match on the bench highlighted a shift toward a more cohesive approach. The team rebound followed a rough start to the season that included losses to Shakhtar Donetsk in Europe and struggles in the Bundesliga. Madrid is widely recognized as a tougher challenge than Dortmund, yet Leipzig arrives with improved mood after a rough patch and a noticeably healthier squad, despite injuries to Dani Olmo, Lukas Klostermann, and Konrad Laimer, whose absence weighs on the visitors’ plans.
Laimer’s injury, a ligament issue, is a notable blow given his role in double pivots and transitions. His absence may push the visitors to rely on a compact two-man axis of Xavier Schlager and Kevin Kampl. On the other hand, Dani Olmo remains a key figure in midfield, while Forsberg may be preferred in the central role alongside Szoboszlai, with the team reverting to a 4-2-3-1 alignment that suits the top form of Timo Werner and Szoboszlai, potentially sacrificing options in attack to maintain balance.
Possible cadres:
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Kroos, Modric; Fede Valverde, Vinícius, Rodrygo.
RB Leipzig: Gulácsi; Henrichs, Orban, Gvardiol, Raum; Kampl, Schlager; Nkunku, Forsberg, Szoboszlai; Werner.
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (ITA)
Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu.
Kick-off: 21:00.