Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Celtic
Real Madrid start their Champions League defence tonight as they take on Celtic at the Celtic Park for the first gameweek of the group stages. As is tradition, the lineup for the game has been released two hours prior to kick-off.
Daniel Carvajal retains his first-choice spot as the right-back, starting alongside the usual suspects of David Alaba and Eder Militao. Ferland Mendy gets the nod as the left-back, while Thibaut Courtois is the starting goalkeeper.
Antonio Rudiger has been benched for this game, contrary to reports and predictions, but fellow new signing Aurelien Tchouameni is starting as the defensive midfielder as part of the trident in the centre of the park.
Toni Kroos returns to the lineup tonight, alongside his partner-in-crime, Luka Modric.
In attack, we will see top scorer from last season, Karim Benzema, spearhead the lineup, donning the captain’s armband. Vinicius Junior takes his place on the left of the trio, while Federico Valverde is on the right.
📋✅ Our starting XI 🆚 @CelticFC! #UCL pic.twitter.com/eji7kZiWYP
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 6, 2022
Confirmed Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Tchouameni, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
