Xabi Alonso is expected to field a completely new starting XI in Athens, a lineup unlike anything he has used at Real Madrid this season. Until now, his selections followed a predictable pattern, from Thibaut Courtois in goal to Kylian Mbappé leading the attack. Against Olympiacos, that pattern ends.
Courtois did not travel with the squad due to a stomach infection, leaving Madrid without its defensive anchor. The Belgian goalkeeper had played every minute of the season until now, making his absence a critical blow. With several defenders sidelined, Alonso is left with Raúl Asencio as the only natural center back.
Key questions in Real Madrid defense
The biggest puzzle is who will partner Asencio in central defense. Alonso could pair him with Carreras, or he might follow the “Ancelotti method” and push Aurélien Tchouaméni back into defense. The Frenchman’s position could trigger a domino effect across the lineup.
Assuming Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham start as expected, Tchouaméni in midfield would leave two spots open: one likely for Federico Valverde, the other potentially for Brahim Díaz.
If Tchouaméni plays center back, there is room for both Brahim and Güler in the XI. Placing the Frenchman in his natural midfield role would leave the fullback positions to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran García, while Andriy Lunin gets his first start of the season in goal.
Alineación posible del Real Madrid contra Olympiacos en Champions.As Real Madrid
Probable Real Madrid lineup vs. Olympiacos
The likely starting XI Alonso will field in Athens: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Carreras, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Valverde; Brahim Díaz, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr.; Mbappé
Alonso has taken 20 players to Athens, including Mendy, Camavinga, Ceballos, Güler, Rodrygo, Endrick, Gonzalo, and goalkeepers Fran González and Javi Navarro.
Injuries leave Madrid shorthanded vs Olympiacos
Besides Courtois, Alonso is without Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono, all sidelined with injuries.
Looking ahead to the next Champions League match against Manchester City at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, December 10, Álvaro Carreras is the only Madrid player at risk of suspension.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
