Real Madrid Will Be Without One Player For Their Match Against Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid Will Be Without One Player For Their Match Against Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid will have just one first-team player absent for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. David Alaba has been sidelined since last December due to a serious knee injury, and the Austrian international is not expected to return for the Spanish giants until later in the year.

Apart from Alaba’s absence, Los Blancos are in excellent condition. Dani Carvajal is back in contention after missing the first leg last week, which ended in a 2-2 draw in Germany, due to a European suspension. Thibaut Courtois also made his return against Cadiz in La Liga on Saturday after a lengthy spell out, making him available for selection as the team’s number one goalkeeper.

However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has already confirmed that Andriy Lunin, who has been the team’s primary goalkeeper for much of the season, will start between the posts against Bayern at the Bernabeu.

David Alaba is the sole absentee for Real Madrid. “We have to strive to give our best. It’s a semi-final. We’re incredibly excited as it presents a fantastic opportunity to reach the final. There will be numerous challenges, but we’re in excellent condition and highly motivated to perform,” Ancelotti shared with reporters during his pre-match press conference.

“Both clubs share similarities, boasting rich histories and substantial success in the Champions League. There’s mutual respect, and that’s only fair. They outperformed us in the first leg.

“We maintain a balance of enthusiasm without becoming overly optimistic. We’re fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead in the match. There’s no room for excessive optimism.

“I have confidence because it’s Madrid, because of the squad, and because of the fans. We believe we’re on the right track, but Tuchel will undoubtedly think the same. Today, we relish the moment, and tomorrow, we focus.

“The future is uncertain, anything can happen, but we eagerly anticipate an exhilarating evening.”

Andriy Lunin is set to take up the position between the posts for Real Madrid. When questioned about the goalkeeping arrangements for Wednesday’s encounter, Ancelotti remarked, “Lunin will be the starter. The protocol for a player returning from injury remains consistent for a single game. Courtois is in good shape, but he requires time to return to his peak form. Nonetheless, he delivered an excellent performance.”

Real Madrid secured the La Liga title on Saturday, culminating in a 3-0 victory over Cadiz in the Spanish top flight.

Ancelotti made several alterations for the Cadiz match; however, players such as Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, and Aurelien Tchouameni are expected to reclaim their positions in the starting lineup against Bayern.

There’s a significant decision to be made in the heart of the defense, with Nacho, Eder Militao, and Tchouameni all viable options to partner Rudiger.

Real Madrid’s squad for the Bayern match includes: Courtois, Kepa, Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Vazquez, F Garcia, Rudiger, Mendy; Bellingham, Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Guler; Vinicius, Rodrygo, Joselu, Brahim.