For the first time since 2017, Madrid's two grandest clubs face off in the Champions League. Real Madrid and Atletico collide with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Despite a rocky domestic campaign which has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks, holders Madrid rank among the favourites to claim yet another European crown. There's something magical about Los Blancos on the big stage under the lights, and they'll need every bit of their voodoo magic for the next 180 minutes against a familiar foe.

Victory in their play-off with Manchester City means Carlo Ancelotti's side are hosting Tuesday's first leg with Jude Bellingham again suspended.

Here's how Madrid could line up for Atletico's second visit to the Bernabeu in the space of a month.


Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Atletico Madrid (4-4-2)

Kylian Mbappe
Madrid were beaten in La Liga at the weekend / Fran Santiago/GettyImages

GK: Thibaut Courtois - Courtois has a huge role to play during the knockout rounds, with the Belgian likely to be tested infrequently during this tie with their capital rivals. Atleti will rely on moments, and Courtois must be on hand to keep them out.

RB: Federico Valverde - Valverde has missed the past few games with a hamstring injury, but the midfielder-cum-right-back is set for a return in midweek.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - Rudiger recently returned 32 and enters this bout off the back of a messy performance against Real Betis. Still, there's no doubting his status as a starter here.

CB: Raul Asencio - David Alaba is working towards full fitness again and was included in Saturday's starting XI. However, young Asencio has ascended up the depth chart since breaking into the team and is likely to partner Rudiger.

LB: Ferland Mendy - Mendy was an unlikely contributor in the final third at the weekend, and the Frenchman should enjoy the bulk of the minutes in this competition despite Fran Garcia's increased prominence this term.

RM: Brahim Diaz - Jude Bellingham's suspension means Brahim is poised to keep his place in the XI after getting on the scoresheet in Seville.

CM: Aurelien Tchouameni - Tchouameni has constantly switched between defence and midfield this season, but Madrid's improved availability at centre-back means he'll likely get a gig in the middle of the park against Atleti.

CM: Eduardo Camavinga - With Dani Ceballos out and Luka Modric more likely to enjoy a cameo, Camavinga should partner his compatriot on Tuesday night.

LM: Rodrygo - Rodrygo has gone cold on the goal involvements front, but his role as a facilitator shouldn't go under the radar.

ST: Vinicius Junior - Vini Jr was the man who showed up down the stretch in the Champions League last season, and he'll be keen to begin the knockout phase with a bang this time around.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - The French superstar scored against Atleti in La Liga last month and was hugely responsible for helping Madrid past Man City in the play-off round.


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