Real Madrid vs Juventus: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, key players

Real Madrid host Juventus in the Champions League at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening

Madrid thrashed Kazakhstan side Kairat Almaty 5-0 on the last matchday, maintaining their perfect start in the competition.

Juventus are without a win, drawing their opening fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal.

Match preview

Madrid are firm favourites for this encounter and will be aiming for a victory that would provide a psychological boost ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico.

Manager Xabi Alonso has had a brilliant start at Madrid, suffering just one defeat across all competitions since the beginning of the season.

Alonso is likely to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation but could make some changes to the side that started against Getafe.

Juventus are winless in their last six games across all competitions. Their last victory was in September when they defeated Inter Milan.

The Old Lady’s attack has been more potent in the Champions League than in the Serie A and will provide a stern test for Madrid’s side.

However, their defensive frailties could cost them against Madrid’s star-studded attack.

Head-to-head

Madrid have met Juventus 22 times, winning 12 times, drawing twice and losing eight.

Team news

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Ceballos could be back in Madrid’s squad, but Ferland Mendy, Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal are not expected to be involved. David Alaba is also doubtful for the tie.

Juventus also have several fitness concerns, including Juan Cabal, Fabio Miretti, Gleison Bremer, Arkadiusz Milik and Carlo Pinsoglio.

Key players

Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe: He is one of the most in-form forwards in Europe, scoring 15 goals in 11 appearances across all competitions.

Vinicius Junior: The Brazilian is beginning to find top form, registering five goal involvements in his last five games for Madrid.

Juventus

Kenan Yildiz: Regarded as one of the best talents in European football, the Turkish star has the potential to trouble Madrid’s defence.

Dusan Vlahovic: The Serbian has three goal involvements in the competition this term – the most of any Juventus player.

Stats from transfermarkt.com & sofascore.com.