Real Madrid returns to the competition after the national team break and does so by facing Shakhtar Donetsk on the third day of the Champions League. The Whites need to get all three points to avoid complicating the classification after their unexpected loss to the Sheriff. At the moment they occupy the second position with three points while the Ukrainians are last with no.
To try to take the victory, Carlo Ancelotti recovers a good part of his injuries and more than one will start.
Goalkeeping is one of the few positions where there is no question who will play. Thibaut Courtois is one of the pillars of this team and continues to perform at a high level. Tomorrow he will have to leave his clean sheet to bring the three points closer to Madrid.
The first question comes from the right side. Carvajal has not been called up and of all the options that Ancelotti has left for that position we bet on Valverde since Lucas Vázquez has not started the season in the best way and in that position he shone with Zidane now the seams are showing. . And as for Nacho, it is possible that he plays on the left-back.
The Braislan defender suffered a truamatism in the back of his right thigh in the match against Colombia but upon arrival in Madrid it was confirmed that there was no breakage and he has trained with his teammates, so he is fit to play.
Along with Militão will be David Alaba. The Austrian also returned from the national team break with a strong blow but it seems that he has recovered in time and will play in the center of the rear.
As we said, the left-back will be Nacho. Both Marcelo and Mendy have entered the call and it is not ruled out that they have minutes in the second half. After being unemployed for so long it would be a risk to start them. Miguel Gutiérrez is also called up but with Nacho in principle, he will be the one who starts.
Casemiro did not attend the national team break with Brazil and this long break will have been good for him to get in shape as he started the season at a lower level than we are used to. His presence in the center of the field is essential to maintain balance in the team.
Another who did not play in the break was Toni Kroos. The German had minutes in the last two games and could make his debut as a starter. The pause and control of Kroos in the game are vital and more seeing the problems that the team has gone through in recent games.
This could be the first game in which we see from the beginning the one who was Zidane’s starting midfield playing together. Modric has entered the rotations but in a match where Madrid is presumably going to have the ball, the Croatian is essential.
In the attacking trident there are two places that have names and surnames and the third could be occupied by Rodrygo. Without Bale or Hazard, the Brazilian is the main candidate to start.
The other band will be for Vinicius. The Brazilian is in a good moment of form, perhaps the best since he arrived at Madrid, and that is something that must be taken advantage of.
At this moment it is practically impossible to imagine a Real Madrid eleven without Benzema. Not only because Jovic and Mariano have hardly any chances, but because he is the most dangerous man and the one with the most goals.
Don’t forget to also follow us on our Instagram account, 90min_en, and our Twitter account, @ 90minespanol!