Real Madrid’s Possible Lineup vs RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League
José Mourinho is expected to make only a few changes despite El Clásico being just four days away, with Federico Valverde set to leave the full-back role.
Real Madrid host RB Leipzig on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League league phase and, despite El Clásico being only four days away, José Mourinho is not expected to rest many of his regular starters.
The coach’s message has been clear: this is not the time to think about Barcelona. Leipzig are the immediate priority, and Mourinho is expected to keep most of the structure he has used in recent matches.
The biggest changes should come in a few specific areas. Mourinho is set to bring back an important defender, move Federico Valverde into a more advanced role and keep Arda Güler as one of the players responsible for controlling the game.
Rüdiger Returns and Valverde Moves Out of Defense
Thibaut Courtois will remain in goal, while Denzel Dumfries is the favorite to start at right-back after not playing against Sevilla.
At center-back, Ibrahima Konaté is expected to partner Antonio Rüdiger, who would return to the starting lineup as part of Mourinho’s rotation with Dean Huijsen. Marc Cucurella should complete the back line on the left.
The other major adjustment involves Valverde. The Uruguayan is expected to leave the full-back role and play much higher on the right, although he could frequently switch positions with Güler during the match.
Vinícius Returns for a Big European Night
In midfield, Arda Güler is expected to remain one of Madrid’s main playmakers alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni, with Jude Bellingham operating further forward.
In attack, Kylian Mbappé is an automatic starter and should once again lead the line. Vinícius Júnior is also expected back in the XI, with the Brazilian still available in Europe while serving his domestic suspension.
His return could be especially important for Mourinho, who will want to see Vinícius rediscover his best form and give Madrid another major one-on-one threat from the left.
Real Madrid’s Possible Lineup vs RB Leipzig
Probable Formation: 4-4-2
Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Güler, Tchouaméni; Valverde, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé.
The Main Changes Mourinho Is Preparing
- Rüdiger is expected back at center-back, alongside Konaté.
- Valverde should move out of defense and into a much more attacking role.
- Vinícius is set to return to the starting lineup alongside Mbappé for a big Champions League night.
