Two European giants clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night as Real Madrid host Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid vs Juventus – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Wednesday, 22nd October.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid.
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid could welcome back Trent Alexander-Arnold after the England international has been sidelined for six matches with a hamstring injury. The defender has returned to training and could feature against Juventus, with a view to starting El Clásico against Barcelona this weekend.
Ferland Mendy has also resumed training after a six-month absence following a thigh injury sustained in the Copa del Rey final, and has a chance to return to the squad.
However, Los Blancos will be without Antonio Rudiger, who remains a long-term absentee with a muscular problem. Dani Carvajal will miss the fixture due to a two-game Champions League suspension following his red card against Marseille. Dean Huijsen is dealing with a muscle strain, while Dani Ceballos could return after missing the Getafe clash with a hamstring issue. David Alaba was substituted at half-time against Getafe with a calf strain and remains doubtful.
On a positive note, Thibaut Courtois is fully fit after finishing the Getafe game with discomfort.
Juventus Team News
The Bianconeri will be without their defensive mainstay, Gleison Bremer, for at least a month after the Brazilian underwent surgery on his left knee on October 14. This represents another setback for the 28-year-old, who had missed most of last season with an ACL injury.
Juan Cabal suffered an injury to his right thigh during the Champions League match against Villarreal and will be unavailable. Long-serving absentee Arkadiusz Milik remains out, while Fabio Miretti could earn his first call-up of the campaign after resuming group training.
Summer signing Edon Zhegrova continues to be hampered by a groin issue that has troubled him since last season. Juventus are taking a cautious approach with the winger. Carlo Pinsoglio has suffered an injury in training that will keep him out for some time.
Form
Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s side have been in excellent form in La Liga, winning eight of their nine matches to sit top of the table with 24 points. Los Blancos suffered their only league defeat in a 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in late September but have since bounced back with victories over Villarreal and Getafe. Their Champions League campaign has been perfect so far, with a 2-1 victory over Marseille followed by an emphatic 5-0 demolition of Kairat Almaty, where Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick to take his tally to five goals in two European matches this season.
The French forward has been in scintillating form, reaching 60 Champions League goals and becoming the sixth-highest scorer in the competition’s history. Vinicius Junior has also rediscovered his best form, delivering arguably his finest display of 2025 against Villarreal with two goals and six successful dribbles.
Juventus
The Old Lady is enduring a difficult period, having gone six consecutive games without victory. Igor Tudor’s side opened their Serie A campaign strongly with three wins but have since drawn five matches in a row before losing 2-0 to Como on Sunday.
In the Champions League, Juventus have drawn both their opening fixtures 4-4 against Borussia Dortmund and 2-2 against Villarreal, leaving them 23rd in the table with just two points.
The pressure is mounting on head coach Tudor, with reports suggesting his future will be determined by results in the upcoming fixtures against Real Madrid and Lazio.
Kenan Yildiz has been one of the few bright spots, scoring three goals with the Turkish national team during the recent international break. Dusan Vlahovic could lead the line as Juventus look to end their winless run.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Asencio, Carreras; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Mastantuono, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe.
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Gatti, Rugani, Kelly; Kalulu, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Yildiz; Vlahovic.
How to Watch Real Madrid vs Juventus?
UK fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports 5. The match will also be available to stream on the Discovery+ website or app for TNT Sports subscribers.
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