Real Madrid Faces Brest in Crucial Champions League Showdown

MADRID, Spain — Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced tactical changes and lineup adjustments ahead of Wednesday’s must-win Champions League clash against Brest. The defending champions aim to secure a playoff spot in the revamped league phase of Europe’s elite club competition.

Ancelotti praised Brest, which has emerged as one of the surprise contenders this season. “They’re doing well, they have one more point than us and a chance to qualify for the top eight. It will be a good game. We want to get as high as possible in the table,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday. The Italian manager acknowledged that Real Madrid‘s recent slip-ups against Lille and other opponents have made this match critical for their knockout stage aspirations.

Brest has accumulated 13 points in the league phase, outperforming expectations. “It is no coincidence that Brest have taken 13 points in this first phase, because it has done better than its rivals. It’s a team that we respect a lot,” Ancelotti added.

All final matchday fixtures in the league phase will kick off simultaneously on Wednesday, but Ancelotti emphasized that his team will remain focused on their own performance. “We’re going to be aware of our game, to reach the top of the table. We have no idea [about other matches], we’re just focused on winning our game,” he stated.

In terms of lineup changes, Thibaut Courtois will start in goal, while Ferland Mendy replaces Fran Garcia at left back. Lucas Vazquez returns to right back, pushing Raul Asencio to the bench. Aurelien Tchouameni will partner Antonio Rudiger in central defense, and Ancelotti has opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Luka Modric, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Brahim Diaz in midfield. Up front, Kylian Mbappe will lead the attack alongside another in-form striker.

Real Madrid currently sits just behind Brest in the standings, making this match pivotal for both teams. A win could secure a playoff berth, while a loss could end their Champions League campaign prematurely.