Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid squad list to face Celtic
Real Madrid will begin the defence of their UEFA Champions League crown this Tuesday when they take on Scottish champions Celtic.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men will lock horns with the Bhoys away at Celtic Park as they look to get their journey in Group F off to a winning start.
Ahead of their trip to Glasgow, Los Blancos have released the official squad list for their Champions League opener on Tuesday night.
There are no surprise names on the list as the manager has stuck to his usual roster comprising Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin and Luis Lopes as the goalkeepers.
Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and Nacho Fernandez make up the defensive contingent. Vinicius Tobias, who has been registered in the Champions League squad, does not make the cut.
The usual suspects in midfield are all present as Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde will all fly to Scotland.
Karim Benzema, who was not pictured in training earlier today, is included, as is his backup, Mariano Diaz, even though he is not favoured by Ancelotti. Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo make up the rest of the attacking unit that will travel.
Iker Bravo, who joined the club only this summer, has been registered for the Champions League but has not been called up for the Celtic clash.
Jesus Vallejo and Alvaro Odriozola miss out due to fitness issues.
📋✅ Our squad for the match 🆚 @CelticFC!#UCL pic.twitter.com/0lCcps93nE
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 4, 2022
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
