Braga vs Real Madrid Predictions & Match Preview
All eyes are set on Estadio Municipal de Braga as Braga prepares to face Real Madrid in a highly-anticipated Champions League match.
Tuesday’s #ChampionsLeague Fixtures 📸#UCL pic.twitter.com/uH0fRaZwvn
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) October 22, 2023
In their second group game, the Reds managed an impressive comeback from being two goals down to defeat Union Berlin.
However, facing the Champions League title contenders will be an uphill battle. Unfortunately, Braga will be without Ricardo Horta and Victor Gomez due to injuries, but they have no suspended players in their lineup.
On the other side, Los Blancos are determined to maintain their flawless record in Group C. Real Madrid showcased their quality with a 3-2 victory over Napoli, and with key players at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal for Tuesday’s match, an away win seems likely.
Nacho has returned from a domestic suspension, though Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois remain sidelined due to injuries. Veteran midfielder Luka Modric is expected to rejoin the starting lineup after coming on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Sevilla on Saturday.
Team News
Braga’s sole confirmed absence for the upcoming match on Tuesday is Victor Gomez, who is sidelined due to a thigh injury sustained at the end of September.
While there were concerns about Ricardo Horta’s fitness, he had to withdraw from the Portugal squad during the international break due to a muscular issue. However, he made an appearance as a substitute in last week’s Taca de Portugal clash with Rebordosa and is anticipated to be part of the starting lineup for this upcoming contest.
Alvaro Djalo, who has scored seven goals this season, is a definite starter for the home team, alongside Bruma and Simon Banza, both of whom have six goals to their name this season.
On the other hand, Real Madrid will be missing four players for this match. Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are long-term absentees due to serious knee injuries, while Dani Ceballos sustained a muscular injury during training last week.
Arda Guler is nearing his debut for the club, but he won’t be included in the squad for this match. The Turkish international, who suffered a thigh injury after recovering from a knee operation, is not yet ready to play.
David Alaba, who returned from a groin problem in the match against Sevilla on Saturday, is expected to be in the central defense for this upcoming game. There might be a change at the left-back position, with Eduardo Camavinga likely to be utilized in that role.
In the attacking department, Ancelotti faces a crucial decision regarding the partner for Vinicius Junior. Rodrygo is expected to be selected over Joselu, despite having only scored once this season.
