Official: Real Madrid starting lineup to face Bayern Munich – Brahim, Mendy in

Official: Real Madrid starting lineup to face Bayern Munich – Brahim, Mendy in

In a little while, Real Madrid will take the field at the Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie.

And, manager Alvaro Arbeloa has announced the starting XI that will step out to lead Real Madrid’s quest for a comeback in the tie.

The big news is that Ferland Mendy, having returned to the squad after recovering from his hamstring injury, starts at left-back. He gets the nod ahead of Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia so that he can provide more defensive solidity against Michael Olise.

Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger, who was rested in the game against Girona last week, returns to the team, replacing Raul Asencio as Eder Militao’s partner at centre-back.

There is a change at right-back as well, with Trent Alexander-Arnold coming in at the expense of captain Dani Carvajal.

Federico Valverde is set to start in a central role in midfield tonight in the absence of Aurelien Tchouameni.

The Uruguayan will be partnered with Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler in the middle of the park, meaning there is no place for both Eduardo Camavinga and Thiago Pitarch.

Brahim Diaz has been rewarded for his recent impressive performances with a start for Real Madrid in what is a must-win game. He will accompany Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe in attack for the visitors.