Real Madrid's defense of the Champions League crown has been nothing short of impressive, but Los Blancos can secure their place in the knockout stages of the competition on Wednesday night.
The European giants host strugglers RB Salzburg at the Santiago Bernabeu knowing victory is likely to secure them a play-off spot at the bottom of the league stage, but the Spanish giants cannot afford a midweek upset having already lost to Lille, AC Milan and Liverpool in the race.
Carlo Ancelotti, who has recently been linked with a move away from Madrid this summerhas some defensive puzzles to figure out before Wednesday night, but has seen his side make strides in the final third since the start of the year.
Here's how Madrid could line up for an important duel with the Austrian team Salzburg.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Madrid's defensive issues mean Courtois can expect work on Wednesday, even from underperforming Salzburg who visit the Spanish capital under new management.
RB: Federico Valverde – Dani Carvajal's season-ending injury and Lucas Vazquez's European suspension means Ancelotti will reshuffle his backline. Valverde, who has featured at right-back on occasion this season, is likely to step in for the absent Spaniard.
CB: Raul Asensio – Injuries at centre-back have plagued Madrid this season, but the silver lining has been youngster Asencio, who has largely impressed during his regular forays into the first team.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – David Alaba's long-awaited return at the weekend bolsters Ancelotti's options at the back and Rudiger will be keen to see the Austrian line up alongside him sooner rather than later.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Fran Garcia has started the last two games for Madrid, but Mendy could be favored in midweek, with rest and rotation important for Los Blancos after a torrid start to the calendar year.
DM: Luka Modric – Suspended for Weekend win over Las PalmasModric will be used in the engine room on Wednesday following injuries to Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
DM: Dani Ceballos – Ceballos' starts have not been regular this season, but he has been named in the starting XI for the last two games. With Valverde brought in at right-back, he should make it a hat-trick against Salzburg.
RW: Rodrygo – The Brazilian impressed on Sunday afternoon, adding a fourth goal to the tally after half-time. He has now scored three times in his last four appearances for Los Blancos and will relish his chances to add to his tally against porous Salzburg.
AM: Jude Bellingham – Madrid endured a frustrating afternoon at the weekend with the video assistant referee ruling out three penalties for the reigning Spanish champions. Bellingham is one of those who saw his effort chalked up.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Vinicius joined Modric in the stands on Sunday as he also sat out suspended, but the hard-working superstar will be back in midweek. He has scored five in as many Champions League matches of this season.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – After a slow start to life in Spain, Mbappe has found his feet. Eight goals in his last ten have boosted confidence levels and the Frenchman will be keen to punish Salzburg on the return of Thomas Letsch.