Jude Bellingham Set to Make Explosive Return as Real Madrid Face Marseille
Real Madrid begin their 2025–26 Champions League journey with a match against French club Marseille.
Following a frustrating quarterfinal elimination in the previous campaign, Real Madrid seeks European glory once more. Under new manager Xabi Alonso's guidance, the Spanish powerhouse aims to secure their 16th Champions League trophy, with their path to Puskás Aréna starting this Tuesday evening.
Positive developments for Los Blancos include the return of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga to the selection pool after extended injury layoffs. Both midfielders earned spots in Alonso's 23-man roster and may feature in their first matches of the campaign during Real Madrid's European opener.
Additionally, Dean Huijsen remains available despite receiving a contentious red card in weekend La Liga action. Only Endrick, Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger are sidelined for the fixture due to fitness concerns.
Here's how Real Madrid's starting eleven might appear against Marseille on Sept. 16.
Real Madrid Expected Formation vs. Marseille (4-3-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois and Real Madrid remain unbeaten from open play situations in the 2025–26 season.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—Following just eight minutes of action over the weekend, Alexander-Arnold appears set to start against Marseille.
CB: Éder Militão—With Rüdiger unavailable through injury, Militão faces significant playing time across multiple competitions. The Brazilian defender appears ready for the challenge after his impressive early season performances.
CB: Dean Huijsen—The center-back found himself in hot water after his dismissal against Real Sociedad on Saturday, but receives an opportunity to redeem himself in his Champions League bow.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—Carreras has provided consistent performances on the left side while building understanding with Vinícius Júnior.
CM: Fede Valverde—The Uruguayan midfielder is expected to regain his starting position in Los Blancos' engine room after Dani Ceballos received an unexpected start recently.
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—With possible emergency center-back duties looming, Tchouaméni aims to maximize his opportunities in his preferred midfield role.
CM: Arda Güler—Güler enters the European fixture having contributed two goals and one assist across his previous three outings. The 20-year-old has emerged as a standout performer under Alonso's management.
RW: Franco Mastantuono—The Argentine youngster could earn his Champions League debut on Tuesday after Brahim Díaz's underwhelming display against Real Sociedad. Rodrygo remains another viable option.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Mbappé aims to carry his exceptional form into European competition. The French striker has accumulated seven goal involvements across his past six club and international appearances.
LW: Vinícius Júnior—Vinícius Júnior consistently excels on continental football's grandest platform. The Brazilian winger pursues his 30th Champions League strike.
