Real Madrid's Expected Starting Lineup to Face Monaco in Champions League

Top eight depends on winning. Real Madrid sit on 12 points, and last season the cutoff was 16. The trajectory this year looks similar, so the math is simple: win now and take the gamble in Lisbon. A slip-up against Monaco would be check – almost checkmate. That leaves little room for rotation. And there isn’t much depth anyway. Arbeloa has seven absences – Trent, Militão, Rüdiger, Carreras (suspension), Mendy, Brahim and Rodrygo – so with 17 first-team players and three academy call-ups, it’s all-in against Monaco. To battle. The context allows for very few juggling acts. Courtois will start in goal, but with a reshaped back line. Valverde is expected at right back – Carvajal has played only 14 minutes since October 26 – with Asencio and Huijsen forming the central pairing, and Fran García on the left. Carreras will not be on the pitch after picking up his third yellow card against Manchester City. In midfield, the spotlight is on Güler, likely ahead of Camavinga, while Tchouaméni and Bellingham are certainties. Gonzalo or Mastantuono Up front, the picture is similar. Two starters are locked in. Vinicius will play on the left, publicly backed by Arbeloa in his press conference: “He’ll be on the field whenever he’s available and performing at the level he’s showing.” Mbappé will lead the line, his left knee continuing to respond exceptionally well. The question mark is on the right wing, but Gonzalo is the favorite – the Levante formula. That leaves a likely Real Madrid XI against Monaco of: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Fran García; Tchouaméni, Güler, Bellingham; Gonzalo, Mbappé, Vinicius. 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.