Potential Real Madrid Starting XI Against Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a relatively straightforward decision in goal for Saturday’s Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
Without David Alaba (ACL) and Aurelien Tchouameni (foot), Los Blancos aim for their 15th continental triumph, with no new injuries reported since the dramatic semi-final victory over Bayern Munich.
However, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, a standout performer in this year’s competition, has been struggling with flu recently. To prevent spreading the illness, he will reportedly travel separately to London.
Ancelotti had been urged to stick with Lunin over Thibaut Courtois, who is fully fit after recovering from knee issues. However, the four-time Champions League-winning manager now has reason to opt for the Belgian.
In the absence of the versatile Tchouameni, captain Nacho Fernandez is expected to partner Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Carvajal in defense. Carvajal could achieve a historic milestone alongside his Real Madrid teammates with a victory.
Should Ancelotti’s side triumph, Carvajal and Luka Modric would equal Francisco Gento’s record of six Champions League titles as players. However, Modric may begin on the bench initially, with Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga supporting Toni Kroos in his final appearance for Los Blancos.
Former Dortmund player Jude Bellingham is expected to feature ahead of the midfield trio. Despite Joselu’s remarkable heroics in the semi-final against Bayern, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior are set to lead the attack from the outset.
Potential Real Madrid starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior
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