Real Madrid’s official line-up against Arsenal: Carlo Ancelotti surprises

In the heart of Madrid, under the floodlights of the majestic Santiago Bernabéu, the stage is set for a titanic clash as Real Madrid prepares to lock horns with Arsenal in the second leg of the 2025 Champions League quarter-finals. The anticipation is palpable, the atmosphere electric, as the reigning European champions face the daunting task of overturning a significant 3-0 deficit from the first leg encounter at the Emirates Stadium. The question on the lips of every football aficionado is whether Real Madrid, the undisputed kings of this prestigious competition, can once again conjure a historic comeback.

The weight of expectation rests heavily on the shoulders of Carlo Ancelotti’s men. Specialists in the art of Champions League football, the club presided over by Florentino Pérez are pulling out all the stops, meticulously assembling the necessary ingredients to achieve the seemingly improbable: scoring at least three goals against Mikel Arteta’s well-drilled Arsenal side without conceding any in return. The ultimate prize, a coveted spot in the semi-finals of the competition where a tantalizing encounter against Paris Saint-Germain awaits, hangs tantalizingly in the balance.

In their quest for another memorable European night, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for a bold and somewhat surprising tactical approach, shaking up привычные ( привычные – Russian for “usual”) habits with a brand new plan designed to unlock the Arsenal defense and stifle their attacking threats. While the traditional 4-3-3 formation has served Real Madrid well in the past, its limitations were perhaps exposed in the first leg. Undeterred, the experienced 65-year-old Italian maestro is launching his team into battle with the same fundamental structure, albeit with intriguing personnel choices.

As was the case in the first leg, the experienced Belgian shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois is entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the Real Madrid goal. While Courtois was unfortunately at fault for Declan Rice’s free-kick in the previous encounter, the 32-year-old custodian will be determined to make amends this Wednesday evening by delivering a commanding performance, his primary objective being to secure a clean sheet and provide the platform for his team’s attacking endeavors.

The defensive lineup unveils the first notable surprise of Ancelotti’s selection: the inclusion of Lucas Vázquez at right-back. Despite lingering doubts among some sections of the fanbase regarding the Spanish full-back’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level in crucial matches this season, Ancelotti has placed his faith in Vázquez, entrusting him with the responsibility of patrolling the right flank of the defense.

On the opposite side of the defense, David Alaba is indeed reinstated at left-back, mirroring his role in the first leg. Despite facing a challenging assignment against the in-form Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka in the previous meeting, the veteran Austrian international is once again preferred in this position, with Ferland Mendy still unavailable due to injury and Fran García deemed perhaps too inexperienced or fragile for the immense pressure of this high-stakes encounter.

The central defensive partnership remains consistent, with the reliable duo of Raúl Asencio and the imposing Antonio Rüdiger tasked with the crucial job of marshalling the Real Madrid defense. They will face a stern test in containing the dynamic and potent Arsenal attack, spearheaded by the likes of Saka, Martinelli, and their fellow forwards, and their solidity at the heart of the defense will be paramount to Real Madrid’s chances of success.

Moving into the midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni makes a welcome return to the starting eleven. Having been absent from the first leg due to suspension, the Madrid number 14 is back in contention and will be instrumental in addressing the physical challenges posed by the Gunners’ energetic midfield. Notably, rather than being deployed in a makeshift defensive role as he has been on occasion, Federico Valverde returns to his natural habitat in the centre of midfield, where his boundless energy and dynamic play can be fully utilized.

Completing the midfield trio is the exceptionally talented Jude Bellingham, who will play a crucial role in linking the midfield and attack, tasked with the responsibility of creating opportunities and delivering incisive passes to the forwards. Bellingham’s ability to drive forward with the ball and his creative vision will be vital in unlocking the Arsenal defense.

Turning to the attack, Rodrygo Goes retains his place in the starting lineup. Despite facing some criticism for his form in recent weeks, the gifted Brazilian forward continues to enjoy the unwavering trust of Carlo Ancelotti. The 24-year-old will operate alongside the electrifying Vinícius Júnior and the world-class Kylian Mbappé in a formidable attacking trident. Real Madrid will be fervently hoping that their three star attackers can rediscover their goalscoring touch and find the back of the net with regularity, thus facilitating the monumental comeback that every Madridista desperately desires.

The complete official starting XI for Real Madrid against Arsenal is as follows: Thibaut Courtois – David Alaba, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, Lucas Vázquez – Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham – Rodrygo Goes, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé. The stage is set for a captivating night of Champions League football at the Santiago Bernabéu.

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Don Boris

The author of this article, Don Boris, is a dedicated journalist and writer who has been immersed in the world of football, particularly the news surrounding the “greatest club in the world,” Real Madrid, since his earliest years. Every article penned by Don Boris reflects his unwavering commitment to the history and grandeur of the “White House.” Inspired by the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, he continuously strives to refine his writing skills and perfect his craft as a sports editor.

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