Real Madrid finish their Champions League league phase away from home as they take on surprise-package Brest on Wednesday night.
The holders certainly haven’t had it all their own way in the competition so far, tasting defeat to Lille, Liverpool and Milan to leave their qualifying status in doubt heading into the final two matchdays. However. Madrid booked their place in the knockout play-off round by virtue of a 5-1 victory over RB Salzburg last week.
They have little to no chance of finishing in the top eight, though, so will be forced to play two extra games next month in a bid to reach the round of 16.
While Madrid have underperformed, Brest have exceeded expectations and some on their maiden Champions League voyage. Defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk on Matchday 7 refused to dampen spirits with their place in the next stage already secure. The Ligue 1 side sit three places above Madrid in the table having picked up a point more.
Opta’s supercomputer suggests they have a better chance than Madrid to finish in the top eight, but Brest will likely join the holders in the play-offs.
The highly-regarded Bradley Locko will miss Madrid’s visit with a leg injury, while Jordan Amavi and Karamoko Dembele are unlikely to feature as a result of respective thigh and muscle issues.
Julien Le Cardinal, Massadio Haidara, and Jonas Martin are all set for returns next month.
There are also concerns surrounding the injury status of Mama Balde after he was forced off in Brest’s win over Le Havre at the weekend.
Brest predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Coulibaly, Pereira Lage; Fernandes, Magnetti; Sima, Camara, Del Castillo; Ajorque.
Vinicius Junior is suspended for Wednesday’s game after he picked up his third yellow card of the competition last week against RB Salzburg. Thus, Ancelotti could line up with the same starting front four from Saturday’s victory at Valladolid.
Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are long-term absentees, while Eduardo Camavinga is expected to be back next month. The Frenchman’s currently nursing a hamstring injury.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Brest (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouameni, Modric; Brahima, Bellingham, Rodrygo; Mbappe.
