Real Madrid are set to treat Leipzig as the sole priority on a Champions League night, despite the Clásico arriving only four days later. The coaching staff’s message has been clear: there will be limited rotation, with José Mourinho underlining in his press conference that attention is not yet turning towards Camp Nou.
A strong Madrid side expected for Leipzig
Thibaut Courtois remains one of the fixed points in the projected XI, while Antonio Rüdiger is expected to return to central defence as part of the rotation involving Dean Huijsen. Federico Valverde, meanwhile, is likely to move away from right-back and take up a more advanced role on the right flank.
- Denzel Dumfries is expected to start at right-back after being unused against Sevilla, ahead of Trent.
- Ibrahima Konaté is projected to partner Rüdiger in the centre of defence.
- Marc Cucurella is expected to occupy the left-back position.
- Arda Güler should continue as the side’s main organiser in midfield alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Valverde’s anticipated role could involve regular positional exchanges with Güler. Although he is expected to begin on the right, his movement may bring him into more central areas, while retaining an attacking emphasis similar to the role he performed during Madrid’s run to their 14th European Cup.
Konaté returns to face his former club
The Leipzig fixture carries particular significance for Konaté. The defender spent four years with the German side, from 2017 until 2021, before Liverpool paid €40 million to take him to Anfield.
His inclusion alongside Rüdiger would give Madrid a powerful central pairing for a night in which the visitors are expected to field an experienced and largely unchanged defensive unit.
Vinicius returns for a restricted European run
Further forward, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé are expected to start without debate. Vinicius Junior is also due to return, using the Champions League as his route back into action while his suspension limits his domestic availability.
- Vinicius is available for the Leipzig match.
- He can also play in Athens.
- His next appearance after those two fixtures will have to wait until the following international break.
The likely Madrid line-up is: Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Güler, Tchouaméni; Valverde, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé.
