MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 09: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Rayo Vallecano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 09, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappe is fit enough to start for Real Madrid in their Champions League derby against Atletico on Wednesday night, as Carlo Ancelotti names his strongest available XI for the round of 16 second leg at the Metropolitano.
There had been concerns over Mbappe’s fitness in the days leading up to the Atletico-Real Madrid clash, but he and Federico Valverde have both recovered in time to start on Wednesday night.
Mbappe will be flanked by Rodrygo and Vini Jr., and will have a supporting cast of Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric and Aurelin Tchouameni in midfield.
Madrid’s injury list contains the long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, as well as Dani Ceballos and Jesus Vallejo.
Ancelotti and his team have a 2-1 advantage heading into the return leg at the Metropolitano, having claimed victory in their home leg at the Bernabeu last week.
The winners of this tie will go on to face either Arsenal or PSV in the quarter-finals. The North Londoners are expected to qualify, as they have a 7-1 lead over PSV heading into the return leg at the Emirates.
Kick-off is due at 20.00 GMT.
Confirmed Real Madrid XI vs. Atletico
(4-3-3): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Modric, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vini Jr..
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Fran González.
Defenders: Alaba, Lucas V., Fran García, Rüdiger, Mendy, Asencio, Jacobo.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Modrić, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Chema.
Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim, Gonzalo.
