Arda Guler is set to reclaim his place in the starting lineup as Real Madrid faces AS Monaco at the Bernabeu in Tuesday’s Champions League clash. New head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has opted to keep the attacking formation unchanged.
The Turkish midfielder started on the bench during Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Levante on Saturday but made a significant impact after coming on at halftime, helping to quell the historic boos directed not only at the team but also at individual players like Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Fede Valverde.
In what marks his debut Champions League match as head coach, following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal last week, Arbeloa is not shying away from controversy. He has decided to field the scrutinized stars once again from the beginning of the match.
In the forward positions, Vinicius Jr., who has reportedly expressed a desire to leave due to the harsh treatment he’s received, will play as the left winger, while Gonzao Garcia takes the right wing.
Leading the attack as the central striker, Kylian Mbappe voiced his displeasure about the weekend’s boos targeting individual players instead of the team as a whole.
“I understand the fans,” Mbappe said during a prematch press conference on Monday. “I was once a young football fan myself, critical and full of opinions. I completely get the booing, but if it’s going to happen, it should be directed at the entire squad, not just a few. We’re all underperforming.”
“I understand the fans,” Mbappe said at a prematch press conference on Monday. “Before I was a player, I was a young guy who watched football, was critical and gave his opinion. I completely understand the booing, but if they’re going to do it, they should boo the whole squad, not just a few players. We’re all playing poorly.”
Arda Guler returns in midfield for Real Madrid
As for Guler, he’s on the right hand side of midfield where Bellingham started against Levante, and has the Englishman to the left while they’re supported by pivot Aurelien Tchouameni while Eduardo Camavinga is benched.
Back in defense, Alvaro Carrera is ruled out paving the way for Fran Garcia to play at left back, while Valverde lines up on the opposite flank.
Once more, it’s a central pairing of Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen in central defense helping to protect Thibaut Courtois’ goal.
What Real Madrid coach Arbeloa said
“I know what the Bernabeu crowd is like. I’ve told the players. If there is someone fair, it is the Bernabeu crowd. Let them see the game they like, we are working on it.
“We know that they will be on our side. The public wants to see its team. We are aware and looking forward to playing tomorrow. We are convinced of this.”
Real Madrid is faring well in the Champions League
At present, Real Madrid occupies seventh place in the Champions League’s league phase rankings, meaning it is in line for automatic qualification to the knockout phase as things stand.
A win against Monaco would help maintain that status, with just one fixture remaining after tonight’s clash.
Real Madrid vs. AS Monaco Line Up: Courtois; Fran, Huijsen, Asencio Valverde; Tchouameni, Bellingham, Guler; Vinicius Jr., Mbappe, Gonzalo
