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How Real Madrid could line up against Celtic

sportsmole.co.uk, 31 October 2022, 16:42
Having already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League with 10 points from five games, Real Madrid have the chance to seal top spot in Group F with the visit of Scottish champions Celtic.

Following defeat to RB Leipzig last Tuesday, a 20-game unbeaten streak came to an end for Los Blancos, who must now match or better the result of Marco Rose's men to ensure that they finish top of their group for the third successive season.

Carlo Ancelotti's side also slipped up in LaLiga on the weekend, falling to a 1-1 draw with Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu after a controversial 80th-minute penalty from Cristhian Stuani cancelled out Vinicius Junior's opener.

The result means that, despite remaining undefeated in the Spanish top flight, the Madrid giants are only one point ahead of Xavi's Barcelona, who sealed a dramatic win at Valencia on Saturday with one of the final kicks of the game.

As such, Wednesday's visit of already-eliminated Celtic represents not only a good opportunity for Los Blancos to take first place in Group F, but also to get back on track after a wobbly week, certainly by the extremely high standards of the reigning Spanish and European champions.

Still without Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, who has missed the last three games with muscle fatigue, 21-year-old Rodrygo is likely to continue leading the line against the 52-time Scottish champions, while the likes of Federico Valverde and Luka Modric are likely to be rested following a gruelling October schedule.

Aurelien Tchouameni missed the weekend's draw with Girona at the Bernabeu and could return alongside Eduardo Camavinga, whereas Toni Kroos is likely to start, given his suspension for next week's LaLiga trip to Rayo Vallecano.

In defence, both Lucas Vazquez and Nacho Fernandez should be given opportunities to complete what will be a rotated, but very competitive Real Madrid side.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:Courtois; Mendy, Militao, Nacho, Vazquez; Kroos, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Hazard, Rodrygo, Asensio

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