Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Kairat Almaty – Asencio and Alaba start | OneFootball

Following an embarassing defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid will look to bounce back to winning ways as they take on Kairat Almaty this afternoon.

This will be the club’s second Champions League match of the season, having started the campaign with a narrow win over Marseille.

Heading into this game, Real Madrid have already announced their starting eleven, which does feature a few key changes as the club look to grapple with a growing injury list.

Thibaurt Courtois starts in goal as usual but the backline gets a complete makeover, with Raul Asencio starting at right-back ahead of Federico Valverde, who admitted before the game that it is not one of his favourite positions.

Fran Garcia enters the lineup at left-back, replacing Alvaro Carreras. In central defence, Dean Huijsen retains his place but will be partnered by David Alaba.

In midfield, Dani Ceballos enters the fray on account of Valverde moving into the right-back role. The former Arsenal star will be partnered by Aurelien Tchouameni.

In the attack, Vinicius Junior captains the side in the absence of some key leaders including Dani Carvajal, who has been ruled out due to a fresh injury.

The Brazilian international will be partnered by Franco Mastantuono and Kylian Mbappe, who has been in lethal goalscoring form this season.