Real Madrid will begin their quest for a 15th European title tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu, when they face Union Berlin in Group C of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League.

Real Madrid has had a strong start to the season, winning five of their first five games in La Liga, albeit not always convincingly.

Los Blancos, on the other hand, have found a way to get the most out of difficult situations and will be eager to continue that form and momentum into Europe’s biggest club competition.

In the days leading up to the game, Real Madrid received both good and terrible injury news. Ferland Mendy is back in the team for the game, which is a significant plus, and both Arda Guler and Vinicius Jr are closing in on a return.

However, in-form right-back Dani Carvajal suffered an injury and was ruled out of the game, perhaps missing the derby against Atletico Madrid later this week.

With fewer than 12 hours till kickoff, here’s how Real Madrid might line up against the German opponents, who are making their UEFA Champions League debut.

With Thibaut Courtois out, on-loan goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga appears to be the favored goalkeeper over Andriy Lunin. As a result, the Spaniard should start in goal for Real Madrid against Union Berlin tonight.

Carlo Ancelotti announced during his news conference that in Dani Carvajal’s absence, Lucas Vazquez will start at right-back. Meanwhile, despite the availability of Ferland Mendy, Fran Garcia should make his UCL debut at left-back.

Ancelotti is unlikely to change the defensive pairing of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, with captain Nacho Fernandez coming off the bench once more.

As has been the case throughout the season, Ancelotti will have to make some important selections in the midfield.

Aurelien Tchouameni has been in excellent form as the defensive midfielder this season, but he could be rested tonight, with Eduardo Camavinga starting as the lone pivot.

Meanwhile, Federico Valverde, who scored against Real Sociedad on Saturday, should remain as one of the interiors, despite lately revealing that he has been playing with a damaged arm.

Luka Modric is expected to make his second start of the season for Real Madrid, taking the place of fellow veteran Toni Kroos in the starting XI. For Los Blancos, Jude Bellingham will play at the apex of the midfield diamond.

Rodrygo Goes and in-form forward Joselu will form the strike partnership up top, as they have done in Vinicius Jr’s absence.The Real Madrid Kepa, Vazquez, Rudiger, Alabal, Garcia, Camavinga, Valverde, Modric, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Joselu are expected to start.SubstitutesToni Kroos will almost certainly enter the game at some point in the second period to assist Real Madrid maintain control. Nacho Fernandez, another veteran, is also expected to be called upon to relieve one of the defenders.Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy could make their season debuts following injury layoffs, while Brahim Diaz is also expected to play.