Ceballos, Rodrygo start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Real Madrid can line up against Brest

Real Madrid will be playing their final league phase match of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League tonight when they take on surprise package of the season, Brest, away in France.

The Merengues are currently sitting 16th in the Champions League table, and even though they are only a point below eighth-placed Bayer Leverkusen, a top-eight finish and a direct route to the Round of 16 is extremely unlikely.

Real Madrid must win their game for starters and then hope that a series of results go their way to stand a chance.

Following the Spanish Super Cup defeat, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have shown signs of improvement and will be eager to carry that forward, although Brest will not make it easy.

Ahead of the game tonight at the Guingamp stadium, here’s how Real Madrid could line up against the Ligue 1 outfit.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed starter between the sticks for Real Madrid and that is unlikely to change tonight against Brest.

There should be some alterations in the defence, though, with Lucas Vazquez set to be reinstated at right-back, after not featuring in the last two matches against RB Salzburg (suspension) and Real Valladolid (unused sub).

Aurelien Tchouameni will continue alongside Antonio Rudiger at the heart of the Merengues defence, meaning Raul Asencio will have to drop to the bench. At left-back, Ferland Mendy is expected to get the nod on his return to his homeland.

Midfield

Federico Valverde showed some signs of discomfort during the final stages of the weekend league match against Valladolid and as such Ancelotti has been keeping a close eye on his fitness.

But given the must-win nature of the contest, the importance of the Uruguayan to the team and there being no reports of any physical problem with him, it is expected that Valverde will start in midfield.

Meanwhile, he is likely to be partnered with Dani Ceballos once again, with the Spanish international enjoying arguably the best run of form in his Real Madrid career so far in recent weeks.

Jude Bellingham will be the attacking midfielder for Real Madrid, hoping to continue making vital contributions in the final third with his well-timed runs and eye for a goal.

Attack

Real Madrid go into tonight’s match without star man Vinicius Jr., who is suspended for an accumulation of cards.

As such, the onus will be on Kylian Mbappe, who has started 2025 in red-hot form, to lead the team in the final third and make an impact on his return to France.

The Frenchman will have support from Rodrygo Goes, who will occupy the left flank in Vinicius’ absence. The Brazilian forward, on PSG’s radar, has been in brilliant form of late and will be eager to continue in the same vein.

Finally, Brahim Diaz is expected to continue on the right flank for Real Madrid, ahead of other attacking options like Arda Guler or Endrick, both of whom will likely get minutes off the bench later in the game.