Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. RB Salzburg: Champions League

Lucas Vázquez, Los Blancos’ only right back, is suspended for the Champions League fixture.

Real Madrid’s first Champions League fixture of 2025 comes against RB Salzburg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

With just two Champions League matches left before the knockout rounds, Real Madrid need to finish the new league phase out strong. The defending European champions only have nine points through six UCL fixtures after they suffered defeats to Lille, AC Milan and Liverpool. To guarantee their spot in the knockout phase play-off, Los Blancos must collect all six points from their remaining matches, starting with Salzburg.

Carlo Ancelotti is still without the injured Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, but Aurélien Tchouaméni is back after sitting out at the weekend due to discomfort in his left leg. David Alaba could also feature against Salzburg after he made his long-awaited return against Las Palmas.

Lucas Vázquez, meanwhile, is suspended for the match against Salzburg, leaving Ancelotti with not a single right back in his squad.

Here’s what Real Madrid’s XI could look like against Salzburg on Jan. 22.