Real Madrid is aiming for their sixth consecutive victory in all competitions as they prepare to face Union Berlin in the Champions League clash on Wednesday night.
Preview
Los Blancos recently secured a 2-1 win against Real Sociedad in La Liga, while Union Berlin suffered a 2-1 defeat to Wolfsburg in their last Bundesliga match.
Real Madrid has showcased effective gameplay in the early season despite not reaching their full potential.
With five consecutive wins in La Liga, they currently sit at the top of the league table with 15 points.
Their campaign started with convincing victories over Athletic Bilbao and Almeria, followed by narrow wins against Celta Vigo, Getafe, and Real Sociedad.
Their latest triumph against Real Sociedad puts them back at the summit.
Although Real Madrid faces a significant challenge with an upcoming derby against Atletico Madrid, their immediate focus remains on the Champions League.
They aim to kick off the tournament in style, sharing the group stage with Portuguese side Braga and Italian champions Napoli.
With an impressive 14 European Cup victories, Real Madrid is hailed as the dominant force in the history of the competition. Their most recent success came in the 2021-22 season.
In the previous season, Real Madrid reached the semi-finals but were defeated by Manchester City. This term, they are once again expected to go far in the tournament.
Union Berlin emerged as a strong team last season, finishing fourth in the Bundesliga with 62 points, which secured their direct qualification to the group stage of the Champions League for the first time.
While they participated in the Europa Conference League during the 2021-22 season without progressing past the group stage, they managed to reach the last-16 stage of the 2022-23 Europa League.
Now, Union Berlin faces the challenge of competing in the biggest cup competition in European football.
However, they come into this match following two disappointing domestic results, losing to RB Leipzig and Wolfsburg after securing three consecutive victories at the start of the season. These setbacks have placed them in the eighth position in the league table.
Union Berlin’s relative unfamiliarity in the competition might work to their advantage, but their performance at home will likely determine their chances of progressing to the knockout round in this season’s tournament.
Real Madrid’s recent form in all competitions: W-W-W-W-W
Union Berlin’s recent form in all competitions: W-W-W-L-L
Team News:
Real Madrid has welcomed back Dani Ceballos to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Ferland Mendy may also return for this match, but key players Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and Vinicius Junior remain unavailable. Summer signing Arda Guler is also still sidelined.
Joselu and Rodrygo have formed an impressive partnership in the final third and are expected to feature prominently in the starting lineup. The defensive lineup is likely to remain unchanged from the previous match.
Carlo Ancelotti may make one change, with Eduardo Camavinga replacing Toni Kroos, who is no longer a guaranteed starter. The same applies to Luka Modric.
Additionally, Jude Bellingham, who has been in excellent form this season with five goals already, will make his Champions League debut for Real Madrid.
Union Berlin will be without Rani Khedira, Andras Schafer, and Laurenz Dehl due to injury.
Bundesliga suspended player Kevin Volland will be available from the bench. Kevin Behrens, who has already scored four goals this season, will play a crucial role in Union Berlin’s attack. Chelsea loanee David Datro Fofana is also expected to start, while Leonardo Bonucci is likely to be among the substitutes.
Predicted Lineups:
Real Madrid:
Kepa;
Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, F Garcia;
Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga;
Bellingham;
Joselu, Rodrygo
Union Berlin:
Ronnow;
Doekhi, Knoche, Leite;
Juranovic, Laidouni, Kral, Aaronson, Gosens;
Fofana, Behrens
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Union Berlin
We anticipate an exciting match as Union Berlin aims to leave their mark on Wednesday evening. Although we expect the visitors to find the back of the net, Real Madrid’s extensive experience in the competition should guide them towards a victory in the Spanish capital.
