Real Madrid name squad for Bayern Munich Champions League quarter-final
Real Madrid have confirmed their squad for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich on Tuesday. The squad list, published by the club on Monday, includes the notable return of Vinicius Junior, who is available for selection after serving a one-match European suspension in the previous round.
The squad announcement, confirmed by Real Madrid on their official social media channels, also reveals that the team will be without several key players. First-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is absent, as is left-back Ferland Mendy. Forward Rodrygo is also unavailable for the crucial home leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to the club's official squad list, the full squad for the match includes goalkeepers Andriy Lunin, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Fran Gonzalez. The defensive unit features Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy, who is listed in the squad announcement. The midfield and forward line is headlined by Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior, who is set to return to the starting lineup. The full 23-man list also includes Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Eduardo Camavinga.
The absence of first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is recovering from a serious knee injury, means Andriy Lunin is expected to continue in goal. The absence of Ferland Mendy at left-back and Rodrygo in attack will force manager Carlo Ancelotti to make adjustments to his starting lineup. The return of Vinicius Junior from suspension is a significant boost, as the Brazilian has been in exceptional form in the Champions League this season. The match at the Santiago Bernabéu is scheduled for a 21:00 CET kick-off on Tuesday, April 9th.
Bayern Munich, who announced their own squad on Monday, will be without the services of Kingsley Coman, who is sidelined with a muscle injury. The German side, managed by Thomas Tuchel, will be looking to secure a positive result away from home to take back to the Allianz Arena for the second leg. This first-leg encounter is a replay of several classic European encounters between the two European giants, with a place in the Champions League semi-finals at stake. The team news suggests Real Madrid will rely heavily on the creative talents of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior to break down a disciplined Bayern defense.
