Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make four changes to his team when it hosts RB Salzubrg in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
Because of shock defeats to the likes of Lille and AC Milan earlier in the maiden edition of the new league phase format, the Italian is resigned to the fact that the defending champions will probably have contest a play off to make it through to the last 16 amid bitter rival FC Barcelona sealing its berth in thrilling comeback fashion at Benfica's expense.
"If we have any [chance to get through automatically], it's to win the two remaining games. If we play in the playoff tie we will do our best, but we are used to the demanding schedule," the Italian explained.
This match will of course be played to a backdrop of Onda Cero reporting that Ancelotti has informed Madrid of his decision to leave at the end of season and not fulfil a contract set to expire in mid-2026.
"I want to be very clear. The date of departure from this club will never be decided by me, never in my life," Ancelotti first said to start his prematch press conference on Tuesday.
"Someday that time will come, but I don't know when it will be. I don't decide. It could be tomorrow, in a few games, in a year... in five years."
"Florentino [Perez] will remain here for four more years and my goal is to reach Florentino's four years," Ancelotti added with a smile, namedropping the recently re-elected president and leader with the club. "And so we say goodbye together..."
Back to the task at hand then with that cleared up, Thibaut Courtois will start in goal at the Bernabeu defended by a back line of Fran Garcia, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio and unorthodox choice Fede Valverde thanks to the first team squad being unable to boast a natural right back.
Because of Valverde dropping deeper, there's a double pivot formed by Dani Ceballos and Aurelien Tchouameni.
As always, though, Jude Bellingham is the most advanced midfielder flanked by wingers Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo as Brahim hits the bench.
Up top, it is a Kylian Mbappe that made important confessions this week, and who is in great form, operating as a central number 9.
Real Madrid Starting XI Vs. RB Salzburg: Courtois; Fran Garcia, Rudiger, Asencio, Valverde; Ceballos, Tchouameni; Vincius, Bellingham, Rodrygo; Mbappe