Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: Ancelotti’s Key Lineup Decisions for Crucial Champions League Clash

As Real Madrid prepares to face Borussia Dortmund at the Bernabeu in a pivotal UEFA Champions League group stage match, head coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to make several key lineup decisions that could define the game. Following a narrow 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga, Ancelotti is looking to fine-tune his squad, and the match against Dortmund—who last faced Los Blancos in a historic Wembley final—presents an opportunity to do just that.Ancelotti’s pre-match press conference highlighted the formidable challenge Dortmund presents. He acknowledged the Germans’ intense playing style and individual talent, emphasizing that despite changes in personnel over the summer, Dortmund remains a dangerous opponent. “They are a demanding opponent, having recently played a Champions League final against us. They play with intensity and strong individualities, which will challenge us,” he remarked.The Italian manager hinted at wanting a “back and forth” match that favors Real Madrid’s style of play, particularly because the team’s strength lies in attacking open spaces rather than playing possession-based football. Ancelotti also stressed the importance of improving defensively, noting that the team has been less solid this season and is working hard to address that.Real Madrid will approach this match with a revamped lineup, making adjustments from their last La Liga outing. Thibaut Courtois remains in goal, but Ferland Mendy will reclaim the left-back spot from Fran Garcia. Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger will continue to anchor the defense, while Lucas Vazquez retains his position at right-back. The biggest shift comes in midfield, where Ancelotti has opted to drop Aurelien Tchouameni and switch to a 4-3-3 formation. Eduardo Camavinga will start as the lone pivot, with Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde playing more advanced roles.Up front, Ancelotti makes his boldest move by benching captain Luka Modric in favor of Rodrygo, who returns to the starting XI on the right wing. Kylian Mbappé will lead the attack as the central forward, flanked by Vinicius Jr. on the left, creating a formidable attacking trio that will look to exploit Dortmund’s defense.This lineup change reflects Ancelotti’s tactical adaptability and his desire to balance defensive solidity with attacking prowess, especially with El Clasico looming just four days away. As Real Madrid fans eagerly await the outcome of this crucial clash, all eyes will be on how Ancelotti’s decisions play out against Dortmund’s high-octane style of play.The full lineup for Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund is: Courtois; Mendy, Rudiger, Militao, Vazquez; Camavinga, Bellingham, Valverde; Vinicius, Mbappé, Rodrygo.Can Ancelotti’s squad deliver on the Champions League stage and continue their march towards another European crown?