Real Madrid gear up to host AS Monaco at Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night for a UEFA Champions League league phase clash.
Álvaro Arbeloa’s tenure kicked off in shocking fashion with a crushing 3-2 Copa del Rey exit against lower-league Albacete midweek, sparking backlash from the home supporters.
Yet the team bounced back strongly, guiding the Spanish giants to a solid 2-0 La Liga triumph over Levante at the weekend — a result that lifted spirits considerably.
Los Blancos hold seventh spot in the Champions League table, boasting 12 points across six outings with four wins and two defeats.
Real Madrid team news
Eder Militao stays out long-term nursing a hamstring issue, while Antonio Rüdiger carries serious doubts following a knee knock picked up in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal versus Atlético Madrid.
Trent Alexander-Arnold sits out with a thigh complaint too, and Ferland Mendy keeps missing action because of an ongoing calf knock. Brahim Díaz hasn’t returned post-Africa Cup of Nations final, as Alvaro Carreras serves a one-game ban due to accumulated yellows.
On a brighter note, Kylian Mbappé featured effectively in the Levante win, converting a spot-kick during Real Madrid’s dominant 2-0 league success last Saturday. The talismanic forward, nursing a knee problem before his comeback, stays central to Arbeloa’s forward plans even with some fitness questions persisting.
Midfield trio Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham should line up, offering inventive backing to Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior up top.
Real Madrid predicted lineup
Possible Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Garcia; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Guler, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday, 20th January.
How to watch Real Madrid vs Monaco?
UK audiences can tune in live via Sky Sports coverage.
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