Valverde and Camavinga start | Predicted Real Madrid line-up against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid continue their defence of the Champions League with the visit of Atletico Madrid to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the round of 16. The Whites, who overcame Manchester City in the playoffs two weeks ago, will look to clinch a vital first leg advantage in front of their fans against their crosstown rivals ahead of next week’s second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham are the team’s most noteworthy absentees as they miss out through injury and suspension, respectively. Federico Valverde’s return to training on Monday provides a massive boost to Carlo Ancelotti, however, whereas all eyes will once again be on the front three of Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior to produce another magical offensive display.

That said, here is how the hosts of the first bout are likely to line-up.

Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois

Courtois is expected to keep his place in goal versus his former employers. It will be the first time he faces them in the Champions League as a Real Madrid player.

Right Back – Federico Valverde

Lucas Vazquez’s poor form is likely to see him dropped in favour of Valverde, who completed the team’s last training session prior to Atletico’s visit to the Bernabeu.

Centre Back – Raul Asencio

After somewhat of a disaster at the back in his absence at Real Betis, Asencio is expected to walk back into the starting eleven in his preferred role of a centre back.

Centre Back – Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger is in decent form and will look at the Betis display as a one-off occurrence. The German, who turned 32 on Monday, will also be in the line-up beside Asencio.

Left Back – Ferland Mendy

Mendy did a decent job in defence in the Real Betis clash in spite of the team’s defeat and is likely to keep his place at left back ahead of Fran Garcia.

Defensive Midfielder – Aurelien Tchouameni

Tchouameni is in good form and will be deployed as the team’s defensive midfielder.

Right Midfielder – Luka Modric

Modric will start in midfield with Ceballos and Bellingham ruled out. The 39-year-old’s to pass in between the lines will be vital if Real are to unlock Atletico’s stubborn backline.

Left Midfielder – Eduardo Camavinga

Camavinga will also start owing to the crucial absences in midfield. He will replace Brahim Diaz in comparison to the engine room Ancelotti picked versus Betis.

Right Winger – Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo will feature on the right wing. Valverde’s inclusion will free the Brazilian from his defensive shackles and as a result, he will be expected to have a bigger offensive impact than in recent games.

Striker – Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe scored a hat-trick against Manchester City in the team’s last Champions League game. Having struck in his last meeting versus Atletico, all eyes will be on the Frenchman to lead the attack once more.

Vinicius will look to deliver yet another memorable Champions League display and add Atletico Madrid to his lengthy list of victims in the European Cup.