Real Madrid will launch their Champions League campaign on Tuesday night when they host Olympique de Marseille at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos enter the new league phase as one of the tournament favourites, having lifted the trophy a record 15 times.
They are currently leading La Liga after four straight wins under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Their most recent win came against Real Sociedad on Saturday, where goals from Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler secured victory despite playing an hour with ten men following Dean Huijsen’s red card.
Alonso’s side now aims to carry that resilience onto the European stage. “We’re starting with the utmost excitement of playing in the Champions League with Madrid,” he said in his press conference.
“It’s even more special for this club, and being at the Bernabeu is even more motivating.”
Madrid’s squad has been hit by injuries, with Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham and Ferland Mendy sidelined.
Eduardo Camavinga is a doubt, while Endrick will also miss out. However, Federico Valverde and Franco Mastantuono are pushing for starts.
The attacking spotlight inevitably falls on Mbappe, who has hit the ground running again this season.
Alonso emphasised the importance of striking a balance between individual brilliance and teamwork.
“It’s not just Kylian Vini or Rodrygo – we need collective quality for them to do those different things,” he explained.
Vinicius Junior is also expected to feature after impressing in a selfless role at the weekend.
Marseille finished second in Ligue 1 last season and opened this campaign with mixed results, including defeats away from home to Rennes and Lyon.
They responded in style last Friday, thrashing Lorient 4-0 at the Velodrome. However, history is not on their side – Marseille have lost all four of their previous meetings with Madrid.
They may have to do without Amine Gouiri after he suffered a head injury in the Lorient game. Ruben Blanco and Pol Lirola are not part of Marseille’s Champions League squad.
Benjamin Pavard and Nayef Aguerd are expected to anchor the defence, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pushing for a recall up front.
Madrid’s pedigree and form make them heavy favourites, but Alonso’s words underline the approach. “It’s an honour, a motivation and a responsibility you enjoy,” he said.
