Lille Host Champions Real Madrid in Historic Champions League Meeting
Lille and Real Madrid will face off for the first time in the Champions League on Wednesday night at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Reigning champions Real Madrid made a strong start to their campaign, defeating Stuttgart, while Lille returned to the competition with a 2-0 defeat to Sporting Lisbon.
Match Preview
Real Madrid remain unbeaten this season, backing up their Champions League win with victories over Espanyol and Alaves, but their momentum was halted at the weekend when a late equalizer from Atletico Madrid saw them drop two points in a heated 1-1 draw. Despite closing the gap at the top of La Liga to three points, Real missed the chance to cut Barcelona's lead even further.
Now, the 15-time European champions turn their attention back to their favorite competition, aiming to extend their 14-match unbeaten run in the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti's side, however, will face a test in France, where they have lost their last two encounters, both against Paris Saint-Germain.
Lille, meanwhile, will be buoyed by a 3-0 victory over Le Havre at the weekend, inspired by a Jonathan David hat-trick. That win ended a five-match winless run and gives the French side hope ahead of their clash with the European giants. Lille have been formidable at home in Europe, winning seven of their last eight matches at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
While Real Madrid have an impressive streak in the Champions League, Lille will look to exploit any vulnerability in their visitors. The French outfit will be encouraged by their home record and their recent win over Spanish side Sevilla in this competition.
Team News
For Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe, who was expected to be sidelined, has made a remarkable recovery and could be in the squad, though a start is unlikely. Fran Garcia is a doubt after a knock in the Madrid derby, and Thibaut Courtois remains out with a muscle problem. Eduardo Camavinga has returned to action, but David Alaba, Brahim Diaz, and Dani Ceballos are still unavailable.
Lille will be without Angel Gomes, who is suspended, and Hakon Arnar Haraldsson due to injury. Ismaily, Samuel Umtiti, and Nabil Bentaleb are also set to miss out. However, Lille can rely on the in-form Jonathan David and Edon Zhegrova, who have scored Lille's last eight goals between them.
Possible Lineups
Lille: Chevalier; Tiago Santos, Diakite, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Andre, Andre Gomes, Cabella; Zhegrova, David, Sahraoui
Real Madrid: Lunin; Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior
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