Real Madrid News
Federico Valverde jokes that he would ‘give his wife’ for the Champions League
Emotions are running high as the Champions League final nears. Just over 24 hours remain for the kickoff as both sides prepare to face off in the world’s biggest football game this season.
Speaking to Diario AS ahead of the game in Paris, Federico Valverde jokes about the extent to which he would go in order to lift the prestigious trophy tomorrow night.
“What would I give to win this Champions League? Not my son but maybe my wife yes (laughs),” he said.
Liverpool is the final hurdle that lies in front of Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they prepare to lift their first UCL in over three years. However, Jurgen Klopp’s men will be raring to end their season with silverware, too, especially after losing the league title to Manchester City.
Los Blancos pulled off back to back to back comebacks in the Champions League this season to secure a place in the final.
Federico Valverde is not expected to start in midfield the night, given that Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric are all available. However, the Uruguayan could have a crucial role to play in the attacking trident.
The youngster started 19 La Liga games for his side this season, providing one assist and creating three big chances. Defensively, he provided two tackles and an interception every game.
From a pure mentality standpoint, Real Madrid head into the game as favourites. However, it would be unfair to write off Liverpool for they have been consistent with their performances throughout the season.
Real Madrid will be looking to pick up their fifth win of the 2026/27 La Liga season when they take on Elche CF at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight.
With 12 points from five games, Los Blancos are currently second in the league table, three points below leaders FC Barcelona.
As such, the Spanish capital club will be eager to get the win and close the gap to the top.
Guler starts, Bellingham rested
Ahead of kickoff, Real Madrid have announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Elche, with Jose Mourinho making some important changes.
For starters, Arda Guler is back in the lineup after appearing as a substitute in the win over Rayo Vallecano.
Interestingly, however, he starts in the attacking midfield role, with Mourinho opting to rest Jude Bellingham, who has started all of Real Madrid’s games so far.
That also means that Yan Diomande retains his place in the team, starting for a second time in a row on the right wing. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. continue in their respective positions in attack.
Another notable change sees Aurelien Tchouameni make his first start of the season after recovering from injury and making two appearances off the bench.
He replaces Bernardo Silva as Federico Valverde’s partner in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella come in as full-backs, while Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen slot in at centre-back in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 15, 2026
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