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A struggling Real Madrid continue their Champions League journey against a club closely associated with former manager José Mourinho, as Roma host Los Blancos at the Eternal City on Wednesday.
Mourinho, who was dismissed by the Giallorossi in 2024 following two-and-a-half years in charge, remains a beloved figure in the Italian capital thanks to the club's Conference League triumph in 2022. "It's only fair that the fans give him a round of applause," said Roma's current boss, Gian Piero Gasperini, ahead of the fixture. "There's been tremendous affection for Mourinho, and he's more than worthy of whatever recognition they show him."
Madrid edged past Inter Milan 2–1 on Matchday 1 of the league phase despite numerous absentees, and their squad depth has improved significantly for Wednesday's clash following the completion of suspensions.
With that in mind, here's the lineup Mourinho could field at the Stadio Olimpico.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Roma
GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois has yet to give Andriy Lunin a chance between the sticks this season, and Mourinho is unlikely to spring a surprise change in goal on his former turf.
RB: Denzel Dumfries—Dumfries should come up against a well-known opponent. The Dutchman has won nine of his 11 encounters against Roma, netting twice in the process.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—The free-agent signing has featured in all but one of Madrid's matches this season, swiftly cementing himself as a first-choice starter at the center of Mourinho's backline.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Having completed his domestic suspension over the weekend, Huijsen is expected to slot back into the starting XI in Rome.
LB: Marc Cucurella—Cucurella's slow start to the campaign has given Álvaro Carreras an opportunity, with the latter starting on Saturday. The summer signing came on at half-time and should begin to settle in following the extended break.
CM: Federico Valverde—Valverde clocked up considerable travel during the international break, but the tireless midfielder possesses an extraordinary engine. Having played the full 90 minutes at the weekend, Mourinho will likely call upon him once more.
Pick Your Real Madrid XI!
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The French international sat alongside Mourinho at Tuesday's press conference, which is typically a strong signal that the player will be named in the starting lineup the next day.
RW: Yan Diomande—Africa's priciest soccer player is expected to keep his spot, this time operating on the right wing, after netting his first goal for the club in Saturday's 1–0 victory over Villarreal.
AM: Jude Bellingham—While Madrid's Gálacticos are still finding their rhythm, Bellingham's impressive World Cup form has carried seamlessly into the new campaign.
LW: Vinícius Júnior—The off-color Brazilian picked up the fourth red card of his senior career at the weekend and now faces a suspension for El Clásico later this month. Although fans may prefer to see him start from the bench again on Wednesday, Mourinho is likely to back one of his key stars.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Mbappé makes his 100th Champions League appearance in Rome. Though the trophy has eluded him so far, his goalscoring record in the competition is remarkable, with 71 goals placing him joint-fifth on the all-time list.