Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against SC Braga | UEFA Champions Laegue
As Real Madrid get set to take on SC Braga in matchweek four of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League, manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced the starting lineup for the game at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In a big call, the Real Madrid boss has opted to bench Jude Bellingham, following his shoulder injury during the game against Rayo Vallecano. The Englishman has been named among the substitutes, however.
Stepping into the side in his place is Brahim Diaz, who has hardly received any minutes so far this season.
Meanwhile, there is another change in attack as Rodrygo Goes returns to partner Vinicius Jr., with Joselu dropping out.
Toni Kroos comes into the Real Madrid lineup at the expense of fellow veteran Luka Modric, who started against Rayo. Federico Valverde is the second interior midfielder while Eduardo Camavinga continues as the lone pivot.
Three changes have been made in the Merengues’ backline as well, with Lucas Vazquez, Nacho Fernandez, and Ferland Mendy coming in for Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Fran Garcia, respectively.
Antonio Rudiger and Kepa Arrizabalaga complete the lineup for Real Madrid against Braga.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro 𝗫𝗜 inicial 🆚 @SCBragaOficial! #UCL pic.twitter.com/CyUKIUADnh
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) November 8, 2023
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
