Jude Bellingham could make his first apperance of the season tonight in the Champions League as Real Madrid host Marseille.
The England international has been absent since the start of the season, after undergoing shoulder surgery in the summer. Xabi Alonso has struggled for options in midfield but is set for a big boost, he named Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga in his squad.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, Alonso remains without Antonio Rudiger in defence due to a muscle injury that is expected to keep the German out of action for two or three months.
For Marseille, Amine Gouiri is a doubt but has still been named in Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. The visitors also remain without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who De Zerbi considers “a big loss”.
De Zerbi admitted his side will “have to be very careful” against Los Blancos but insisted he will not change his game plan.
He said: “We have our weapons and we have to take advantage…I think we have the quality and the pride to achieve a good result.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Italian manager will taking charge of his first Champions League match since 2021 but will be hoping his record in the competition improves. When in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk, De Zerbi’s side failed to win any of their six group stage matches.
Marseille are considered massive underdogs in this fixture, and history isn’t on their side either. No French team has ever won away to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
De Zerbi said: “Coming to Madrid is a source of pride” but his side “can’t lack courage”. He added: “Tomorrow isn’t a party.”
The two sides have faced each other four times over the years, and Real Madrid have won on all four occasions.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe last time they met was in December 2009, where Real Madrid won 3-1 thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo brace. Alonso started in midfield and played 78 minutes that night.
Marseille haven’t competed in the Champions League since the 2022/23 season, where they finished bottom of Group D.
However, Les Olympiens come into this game off the back of an emphatic 4-0 victory in Ligue 1. Real Madrid are in even better form though and are aiming to continue their flawless start.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe key player to watch out for this evening will be Kylian Mbappe, who has been superb since the start of the campaign, scoring four goals in as many matches.
Mbappe also has a strong record against Marseille, which he didn’t hesitate to point out to the media.
The Frenchman said: “I scored quite a few goals against Marseille in the past… so it’ll be a good game.”
Mbappe managed nine goals in 13 Ligue 1 game against Marseille as a PSG player.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Newnham
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