Real Madrid will start their quest for a record 16th Champions League trophy when they host French club Olympique de Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
This match marks the first encounter between the two teams since the 2009/10 group stage, where Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in both home and away games.
Perfect start under Xabi Alonso
Although Madrid fell short in the Club World Cup semi-finals, they have bounced back under new head coach Xabi Alonso. Los Blancos entered the international break in excellent form, securing wins against Osasuna, Real Oviedo, and Mallorca before continuing their La Liga campaign with a 2-1 away win at Real Sociedad. This victory was particularly impressive since they played an hour with only ten men after Dean Huijsen received a red card.
Marseille dreaming big
Marseille returns to Europe's top competition for the first time since the 2022/23 season after finishing second in Ligue 1 last year. Roberto De Zerbi's team aims for more than just participation; they want to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2011/12 quarter-finals.
However, French teams have historically faced challenges in Madrid. No French club has ever defeated Los Blancos away in European matches, holding a record of four draws and eleven losses. Ending that streak would be significant.
Team news
Madrid will miss Antonio Rüdiger, who joins Ferland Mendy and Endrick on the injury list. On the bright side, Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga are included in the squad, but both are unlikely to start. Alonso might rotate the lineup, with Federico Valverde and Franco Mastantuono vying for places.
For Marseille, goalkeeper Rubén Blanco and defender Pol Lirola have not been included in the Champions League squad. Forward Amine Gouiri is also a major doubt due to a head injury sustained against Lorient.
Real Madrid Predicted XI
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Mastantuono, Güler, Vinícius; Mbappé.
Marseille Predicted XI
Rulli; Murillo, Pavard, Aguerd, Medina; Gomes, Kondogbia; Greenwood, Nadir, Weah; Aubameyang.
