Predicted XIs Real Madrid-Olympique Marseille: Three changes planned for Xabi Alonso on Jude Bellingham return

Real Madrid will host Olympique Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu in their Champions League debut on Tuesday night. The team, managed by Xabi Alonso, aims to secure a fifth consecutive win to start the season and make a strong opening in Europe.

Key players Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga have returned to the squad after absences of two and 4.5 months, respectively, providing a boost for Real Madrid. However, discussions leading up to the match have also focused on officiating issues in La Liga.

According to MD, Real Madrid is expected to make three changes to the lineup from their previous 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Franco Mastantuono, and Fede Valverde are set to replace Dani Carvajal, Brahim Díaz, and Dani Ceballos. Diario AS agrees with this assessment but suggests Rodrygo Goes might start instead of Vinicius, while Marca predicts no changes to the winning lineup.

Bellingham and Camavinga’s returns ease pressure on the medical staff, though neither is likely to start; both may see playing time depending on match developments. Antonio Rüdiger remains out until December, Ferland Mendy is anticipated back in October, and Endrick is expected to rejoin the squad later this month.

Marseille will be without key defender Nayef Aguerd and backup goalkeeper Ruben Blanco due to injuries. Facundo Medina and Leandro Balerdi are projected to pair in central defense, with Benjamin Pavard at right-back. The team features several familiar faces, including former Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, ex-Getafe forward Mason Greenwood, and former Valencia midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, all expected to start.