No surprises in Ancelotti's XI: Benzema, Alaba, Fede Valverde...

Carlo Ancelotti is going with the expected starting line-up for the Champions League final against Liverpool, with David Alaba returning to the centre of defence and Fede Valverde as the fourth midfielder, leaving Rodrygo Goes as an attacking weapon for the second half.

Real Madrid are looking for their 14th European Cup with Ancelotti's starting eleven. The Italian coach has Austrian defender David Alaba, who has not played since suffering a muscle injury on 26th April at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of the semi-final against Manchester City, back in time.

As he did in the Champions League play-offs, Ancelotti is protecting himself with a fourth midfielder, bringing on Uruguayan Fede Valverde in place of Rodrygo. The Brazilian will be the 'plan B' for the second half alongside players like Marco Asensio or Eduardo Camavinga who are waiting for their chance on the bench.

Real Madrid start the final at the Stade de France with: Courtois; Carvajal, Alaba, Militao, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Fede Valverde; Vinicius and Benzema.

 

May 28, 2022