Real Madrid and Juventus go head-to-head in the Champions League as Xabi Alonso and Igor Tudor prepare their teams for a crucial clash at the Santiago Bernabéu. It’s a major test for the Bianconeri, who will be looking to pull off an upset against the Spanish giants.
The two clubs last met only a few months ago in the Club World Cup round of 16, where Real Madrid earned a narrow 1–0 victory. In the Champions League, however, the fixture hasn’t been seen since 2018. On that occasion, Real won 3–0 in Turin before Juventus earned a dramatic 3–1 win in Madrid, remembered for the late penalty following Benatia’s foul.
So far, Real Madrid have been flawless in this season’s Champions League, securing two wins from two matches. Juventus, by contrast, come into the tie after drawing both their opening games.
Probable Line-ups
Juventus (3-5-2)
Tudor is set to switch back to a three-man defence, opting for a more conservative 3-5-2 formation rather than the usual 3-4-2-1. Federico Gatti returns to the back line alongside Rugani and Kelly, with Kalulu on the right and Cambiaso on the left.
In midfield, Thuram is almost certain to start, while Locatelli could be rested. Teun Koopmeiners and Weston McKennie will provide balance in the centre. Up front, Kenan Yildiz will operate as a second striker, playing behind one of Vlahović, Jonathan David or Openda – with the Serbian expected to start.
Starting XI: Di Gregorio; Gatti, Rugani, Kelly; Kalulu, Koopmeiners, Thuram, McKennie, Cambiaso; Yildiz, Vlahović.
Real Madrid (4-1-4-1)
Real face a few defensive absences, with former Juventus player Huijsen, Carvajal and Alaba all unavailable. Militao will partner Asencio in central defence, while Valverde is expected to slot in at right-back.
Aurélien Tchouaméni will act as the holding midfielder, supporting an attacking quartet featuring Rodrygo, Bellingham, Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior. Kylian Mbappé will lead the line, with a rotation possibility involving the young Argentine prospect Mastantuono.
Starting XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Militao, Carreras; Tchouaméni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Arda Güler, Vinícius; Mbappé.
