Key absences for Real Madrid in this duel of titans to see who takes the advantage in the first leg, in addition to a look at the possible 11 players who would start the match for Los Merengues.
Revenge is a dish best served cold. After the elimination in the 2023/24 Champions League semifinals, Bayern Munich faces Real Madrid again, seeking to collect what slipped away from them two years ago.
The match is played this Tuesday, April 7, and could mark Harry Kane's return to the Bavarian starting eleven. For their part, Los Merengues count on Kylian Mbappe from the start. Two heavyweights are ready for the first of two matches that decide everything.
Injuries and doubts for the match:
Dani Ceballos (calf), Rodrygo (knee), Thibaut Courtois (thigh), and Ferland Mendy (hamstring).
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich (4-4-2)
GK: Andriy Lunin - The Ukrainian will remain under the three posts due to the absence of Thibaut Courtois. He comes off a complicated match in Mallorca, with two shots on goal that ended in goals. Even so, in matches of 'greater relevance', he responds and has the ability and level to give security to the rest of the team.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold - He is still looking for consistency in the team. For now, he stands out for his offensive contributions, which result in favorable crosses for the forwards. On defense, he alternates performances, so within Alvaro Arbeloa's game plan, he could play more advanced.
CB: Antonio Rudiger - By itself, his presence commands respect. Not to mention his sporting performance, physical play, leadership, and his presence in aerial duels. Against Bayern, he would maintain his place as a reference in the backline.
CB: Dean Huijsen - Another high-level test for the defender. He started for Spain in the match against Egypt and added minutes, which gave him more confidence in his game. At Real Madrid, he alternates good interventions with moments of suffering, which is normal for a young 20-year-old.
LB: Alvaro Carreras - He is physically recovered and, consequently, returns to occupy the left back. His last match left several doubts on defense, with problems in retreats and marking, for which he will seek to raise his level against a team that, at a minimum, will be demanding.
CM: Federico Valverde - He is in one of the best moments of his career. With Uruguay, he started in the two friendlies and scored against England. In Madrid, he has 4 goals and 7 assists in LaLiga, and adds 3 goals and 4 assists in the Champions League, including a hat trick against Manchester City that further underscored his impact this season.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni - He returns after a blow to the knee that ended up just a scare and will be available. He plays as a central midfielder and is attentive to recovery and to the team's first exit, providing continuity to the plays.
CM: Jude Bellingham - The Englishman returns to the starting lineup. He did not add minutes with his national team and arrives without continuity, although a good match could serve him to regain confidence and once again demonstrate why he deserves a place at Real Madrid.
CM: Arda Guler - He is living the present as a dream. He was a key figure for Turkey, helping secure their World Cup qualification. At the white club, he has 4 goals and 8 assists in LaLiga.
FW: Vinicius Jr. - He comes off adding minutes with Brazil and providing an assist against Croatia. He entered in the final minutes against Mallorca and now aims to start in the Champions League. His one-on-one remains the team's main offensive resource.
FW: Kylian Mbappe - The reference in attack. He scored with France against Brazil and has accumulated 23 goals in 24 league matches, a crazy thing. He always generates danger, even when he is not sharp in front of the goal. Important matches transform him into his best version.
Bayern Munich's Injuries, Suspensions & Predicted Lineup
Sven Ulreich (muscle), Cassiano Kiala (ligament), David Santos (thigh), and Wisdom Mike (tendon) are all out for this game, while Harry Kane's status is doubtful because of an ankle problem.
Bayern Munich's predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid: Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Jackson.
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