The wait is over. Real Madrid has officially released the starting lineup to face Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Coming off a frustrating domestic slip against Mallorca, the stakes couldn’t be higher. It is “Champions League mode” for the Kings of Europe, and Arbeloa has opted for a mix of established superstars and the “New Guard” that has defined Madrid’s 2025/26 campaign.
The Official Starting Lineups
Real Madrid (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper: Lunin
- Defense: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, Álvaro Carreras
- Midfield: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Thiago Pitarch, Arda Güler
- Attack: Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
- Defense: Stanišić, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer
- Midfield: Kimmich, Pavlović
- Attacking Midfield: Luis Díaz, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise
- Forward: Harry Kane
Key Storylines: The Academy “Glue” and Trent’s Big Night
The biggest talking point tonight is the inclusion of Thiago Pitarch. The 19-year-old academy graduate has effectively benched a returning Jude Bellingham, who starts on the bench as he manages his fitness. Pitarch has been the “glue” for Madrid lately, providing the tactical balance that allows Arda Güler and Fede Valverde to roam.
In defense, the young duo of Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras faces the ultimate test against Harry Kane and Luis Díaz. With Trent Alexander-Arnold providing the creative spark from the right, Madrid’s backline looks vastly different from the one that lifted the trophy in years past, but no less formidable.
How to Watch & Stream
- Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Time: 21:00 CET / 3:00 PM EST
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
- TV: Movistar Liga de Campeones (Spain), CBS (USA)
- Streaming: Paramount+, DAZN, Amazon Prime Video
Warning: Six Real Madrid players are one yellow card away from missing the second leg at the Allianz Arena: Vinícius Jr., Mbappé, Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Huijsen, and Carreras. Composure will be as vital as intensity tonight.
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