Good evening everybody and welcome to another MARCA in English live blog, this time taking you through the Champions League clash between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg from the Santiago Bernabeu.
For the reigning European champions, the match represents an opportunity to solidify their place in the playoff rounds, following a rocky start to their continental campaign. After a critical win over Atalanta on Matchday 6, Carlo Ancelotti‘s side sits precariously two points above the playoff cutoff in the league phase.
While the top eight finish is no longer realistic, Los Blancos are focused on securing their playoff spot and regaining momentum. Two winnable games remain, with Salzburg‘s struggling form providing a prime opportunity for Real Madrid to assert their dominance. The Spanish giants lost their previous home game in the competition to AC Milan and risk back-to-back Bernabeu defeats for the first time in six years. Yet, they remain favorites against a Salzburg side enduring a difficult season.
The Austrian outfit has struggled both domestically and in Europe. With five defeats and only one victory in the Champions League, Salzburg enters this clash with slim hopes of progression. Newly appointed coach Thomas Letsch faces a baptism of fire as he takes charge of his first game, aiming to restore pride to a beleaguered squad.
Real Madrid‘s ability to extend their record of scoring in 32 consecutive home Champions League games will be key. For Salzburg, avoiding another heavy defeat remains a priority, as they risk matching an unwanted record for most games lost by a margin of two or more goals in a single campaign.
Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg LIVE – Latest Updates
Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg Possible Teams
Real Madrid’s preparations are not without complications. Lucas Vazquez will miss out due to suspension, while Dani Carvajal’s injury leaves a gap at right-back. Federico Valverde is likely to fill in, although Aurelien Tchouameni’s potential absence could necessitate further defensive reshuffling. On a brighter note, Vinicius Junior and Luka Modric return to the starting lineup after serving domestic bans.
Salzburg’s squad is riddled with injuries. Key players Karim Konate and Maurits Kjaergaard remain sidelined, while Alexander Schlager and Amar Dedic’s availability is doubtful. Striker Karim Onisiwo, signed to replace the departed Fernando, won’t feature as he’s unregistered for this stage of the competition.
Real Madrid possible starting XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Modric, Ceballos, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
Red Bull Salzburg possible starting XI: Blaswich; Morgalla, Baidoo, Piatkowski, Terzic; Yeo, Capaldo, Bidstrup, Nene; Gloukh, Ratkov
Where to watch Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg?
For fans in the United Kingdom, Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg can be seen on TNT Sports 5 (discovery+). Fans in Ireland can tune in via RTE, Virgin and Livescore.
US-based fans will be able to see Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg on CBS and TUDN.
What time does Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg start?
Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg is a 21:00 CET kick-off, which is local time in Spain. That means fans in the UK and Ireland can watch the game at 20:00 GMT.
Fans in the USA can tune in to watch Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg at 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT.
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