Courtois and Rudiger return | Predicted Real Madrid line-up against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid face off at the Wanda Metropolitano in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

The Whites won last week’s first leg 2-1, thanks to goals in each half from Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Diaz, while Julian Alvarez was on target for Los Rojiblancos. Away from home, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will look to avoid defeat, which will help them get the job done.

As far as the team news goes, Antonio Rudiger and Thibaut Courtois are expected to return to the fore having missed the La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano at the weekend.

Jude Bellingham will also be available for the visitors after the Englishman missed the first leg due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo remain absent, however.

Having said that, here is a look at how Los Blancos could line-up for the match.

Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois

Courtois is expected to return between the sticks and will replace Andriy Lunin after he played in the La Liga clash against Rayo.

Right Back – Federico Valverde

Valverde is likely to replace Lucas Vazquez at right back having spent majority of the previous game on the bench.

Centre Back – Raul Asencio

Asencio was not at his best against Rayo but is expected to retain his place in the starting eleven for the Champions League game.

Centre Back – Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger is expected to return and could replace David Alaba in the heart of the backline to pair with Asencio.

Left Back – Ferland Mendy

Mendy also rested at the weekend but could be back in the team ahead of Fran Garcia at left back.

Defensive Midfielder – Aurelien Tchouameni

Tchouameni is in fine form and will be crucial if Real Madrid are to beat Atletico given that he is the favourite to play at defensive midfield.

Right Midfielder – Luka Modric

Modric is expected to play as the right midfielder ahead of Brahim Diaz and Eduardo Camavinga, with his experience set to be handy for the team in the second leg.

Left Midfielder – Jude Bellingham

Bellingham’s return to the team will be vital and the former Borussia Dortmund star will hope to be as impactful as ever from the engine room.

Right Winger – Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo is likely to be picked on the right wing and will be an important fixture in the team, particularly after his man-of-the-match display in the first leg.

Striker – Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe was back on target in the Rayo match after three goalless games and will look to be impactful as Madrid hope to secure progression in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.

Left Winger – Vinicius Junior

Vinicius is expected to complete Ancelotti’s preferred attacking trident as he hopes to decide another knockout tie in the Champions League in Madrid’s favour.