22 October 2025
Real Madrid have scored in every UEFA Champions League group/league match for over a decade and currently sit second in the UCL standings with 6 points, one of just six unbeaten sides, level with Bayern Munich. With former Paris Saint-Germain’s French star Kylian Mbappé, already on five UCL goals, plus creativity from Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior, Madrid’s attack will be dangerous on Wednesday.
Kylian Mbappé has been in unstoppable form for Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga leaders have won all their Champions League games so far, beginning with a 2-1 victory over Marseille, where Mbappé scored two penalties, and a 5-0 thrashing of Kairat Almaty. They also beat Getafe 1-0 on the weekend, a late Mbappé goal, to reclaim top spot in Spain.
Xabi Alonso may rotate a little, and David Alaba was subbed with a calf issue on Sunday, but the expected lineup still features Courtois in goal, a makeshift back four of Militão, Carreras and Asencio filling in, a midfield pivot of Camavinga and Tchouaméni, and an attacking trio of Mastantuono or Rodrygo, Bellingham and Mbappé.
Juventus have struggled domestically and in Europe. After five straight draws, including high-scoring 4-4 and 2-2 stalemates at home vs. Dortmund and away at Villarreal, the Bianconeri were beaten 2-0 by Como on Sunday. They remain winless in six games across all competitions and sit mid-table in Serie A, four points off early leaders AC Milan. In the UCL phase, Juve are languishing with just two points from two games (two draws). The league-phase table has them near the relegation zone (23rd out of 36), so even a single win
would vastly improve their chances of avoiding the playoff round. Igor Tudor’s side has also conceded late goals as against Villarreal and leaked many, so the defensive lapses remain a concern. Juventus are likely to line up with veteran keeper M. Di Gregorio in goal, a new back four, Kalulu, Rugani, Kelly, and Cambiaso, and a midfield of Thuram, Locatelli and Koopmeiners. Up front, Tudor has hinted he’ll use Francisco Conceição and teenage Kenan Yıldız alongside a lone striker, either Dusan Vlahović (if recovered) or new signing Jonathan David.
Historically, Real Madrid holds a slight edge over Juventus in Europe. In 21 meetings (all UCL), Los Blancos have won 10 and Juve 9, with 2 draws. Some of their most memorable clashes include Real’s 3-0 win in Turin in 2018 (Ronaldo hat trick) and a 4-3 aggregate victory in those 2018 quarter-finals courtesy of a 98th-minute Ronaldo penalty. Real famously beat Juve 4-1 in the 2017 Champions League final (their 11th title) and 1-0 in the 1998 final. Both sides know the weight of history: Real have won 15 European Cups (most recently 2023-24) while Juventus have 2 (last in 1995-96). A win for Real would cement their status as favourites and keep momentum ahead of El Clásico, whereas Juve desperately needs points to revive their campaign.
Under the new format, Real stand second in the league-phase table (6 points), level on wins with Bayern Munich. Juventus have only 2 points (from two draws) and are currently down in the 20s of the 36-team table. In short, Madrid looks on course for direct qualification, while Juve must turn around a slow start or risk falling into the playoff round.
Real’s defence is thin. Xabi Alonso will be without Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ferland Mendy, all sidelined by injury. Centre-back Dean Huijsen (from Real Castilla) is also out with a calf tear. Dani Ceballos has not played recently (hamstring). Alaba is a game-time decision after limping off on Sunday. Juventus likewise have absentees: captain Gleison Bremer (knee surgery) and full-back Juan Cabal (thigh) are out until November. Winger Edon Zhegrova (groin) is doubtful, and Carlo Pinsoglio (veteran GK) suffered a calf injury in training on Oct 15. Milos Milik is still sidelined by a calf strain. Midfielder Fabio Miretti, a long-term injury victim, has only just resumed training and may not start. These absences leave gaps, Juve’s attack may lack depth behind the lone striker, and their defence misses Bremer’s leadership.
For Real, Mbappé is the standout: he has already netted five goals in just two UCL games. The Brazilian pair Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo will look to exploit spaces as Vinícius is still chasing his first UCL goal this season. In midfield, Jude Bellingham’s late runs and Eduardo Camavinga’s energy will be crucial. Coach Alonso is expected to pick a 4-2-3-1 with Raúl Asencio at left-back if Alaba is unfit. For Juventus, veteran Manuel Locatelli will try to dictate play in front of the back four, while Khephren Thuram provides athleticism alongside him. The new signings, Francisco Conceição and Kenan Yıldız, are likely to support striker Jonathan David up front. Jonathan David himself (from Lille) is a key striker, if Vlahović isn’t fit to start, David will lead the line. The matchup between Madrid’s creative midfielders and Juventus’s engine room may decide tempo, while up front, Mbappé vs. Di Gregorio (Juventus keeper) is a crucial duel.
Tactically, Real will push high and press aggressively, knowing Juve’s recent form has been leaky. Madrid’s home record is formidable (they always score). Juventus may set up more cautiously, Tudor even hinted at switching away from his usual 3-4-2-1 after the Como loss. Winning the midfield battle will be vital for Juve if they hope to sneak a result.
Real Madrid arrive as heavy favourites given their domestic and European dominance of late. Juventus, still seeking its first win of the season, will need tactical discipline and a bit of luck at the Bernabéu. Fans can expect a fast-paced match where Real’s attacking stars test a makeshift Juve defence.
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