Real Madrid is set to face RB Salzburg in a crucial UEFA Champions League match on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 21:00 CET (3:00 PM CST) at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
Team News:
Real Madrid: Manager Carlo Ancelotti will have to adjust his defense due to injuries to key players such as Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão. Federico Valverde is expected to fill in at right-back, with Raúl Asencio and Antonio Rüdiger forming the central defense partnership. Ferland Mendy is likely to start at left-back. In midfield, Luka Modrić returns from suspension and is set to partner with Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham. Kylian Mbappé, who has recently found his scoring form, will lead the attack alongside Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
RB Salzburg: The Austrian side, under new manager Thomas Letsch, will be without players such as Maurits Kjærgaard, Sekou Koïta, and Samson Tijani due to injuries. Despite these absences, Salzburg aims to challenge Real Madrid with their youthful and dynamic squad.
Match Significance:
Real Madrid currently sits 20th in the Champions League standings, while RB Salzburg is in 32nd position. A victory for Real Madrid is essential to secure a spot in the knockout stages and to improve their standing in the league phase.
Additional Information:
This fixture marks the first official competitive meeting between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg. Previously, they faced each other in a friendly match in 2019.