Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in the first leg of the 2025‑26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Jude Bellingham entering the night as one of the main talking points. Follow Real Madrid vs Bayern with us for live updates!
The main storyline for Madrid is Bellingham’s absence from the starting lineup. The English midfielder recently recovered from a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg, a setback that kept him out for several weeks and affected his match rhythm. Although he has already returned to action, the coaching staff, led by Alvaro Arbeloa, chose not to start him as they continue managing his workload carefully.
Bellingham’s absence from the initial lineup adds to a list of significant early-season challenges for Real Madrid. Thibaut Courtois is not playing against Bayern today either, as the goalkeeper continues his recovery from injury.
The German club arrive in strong form and aim to take a positive result back to Germany in this Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid clash, while Madrid look to control the first leg despite missing key players.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid CF looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match. Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Real Madrid confirmed lineup vs Bayern Munich
Real Madrid will start with a group built around stability, ball progression, and pace in attack: Lunin; Trent, Rudiger, Huijsen, A. Carreras; Valverde, Thiago, Tchouameni; Arda Guler, Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr.
Bayern Munich confirmed lineup vs Real Madrid
Bayern Munich line up with a group built around experience, physicality, and vertical attacking play: Neuer, Upamecano, Tah, Kimmich, Stanisic; Laimer, Pavlovic; Gnabry, Olise, Luis Diaz; Kane.
SurveyShould Jude Bellingham have started against Bayern?
Should Jude Bellingham have started against Bayern?
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