MADRID — Speaking from the media room at Valdebebas on Monday afternoon, Carlo Ancelotti exuded characteristic calm as reigning European champions Real Madrid finalized preparations for Tuesday night’s blockbuster UEFA Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The encounter serves as a high-stakes rematch of the June 2024 final at Wembley Stadium, where second-half strikes from Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior delivered Los Blancos their record-extending 15th European Cup.
Ancelotti moved quickly to quash external media criticism regarding Jude Bellingham’s revised goalscoring numbers this season. The 21-year-old Englishman has yet to score this campaign after registering 23 goals in his debut season, but the Italian tactician highlighted Bellingham’s indispensable off-the-ball contribution.
"We are extremely satisfied with Jude’s work," Ancelotti stated firmly. "Last year we lacked a specialist number nine and Jude stepped forward with extraordinary finishing. This year we have Kylian Mbappé, so Jude’s primary responsibility is providing structural balance, winning second balls, and anchoring our central transitions. He is sacrificing personal glory for the team’s collective spine."
Real Madrid arrive under scrutiny following a surprise 1–0 defeat away at Lille on Matchday 2. Ancelotti confirmed that Thibaut Courtois is fully fit following his muscle strain, while Lucas Vázquez will start at right-back in place of the injured Dani Carvajal.
Dortmund, under the guidance of former Madrid playmaker Nuri Şahin, have blazed through their opening European fixtures with 10 goals scored in two matches. In-form striker Serhou Guirassy and English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens pose formidable counter-attacking threats.
"Dortmund demand maximum concentration because they transition vertically within three passes," Ancelotti warned. "We must play with high defensive intensity from the first minute and utilize the pace of Vinícius and Kylian to break their press."
Kickoff is scheduled for 21:00 CEST (3:00 PM Eastern), with a capacity crowd of 80,000 Madridistas expected under the closed roof of the modernized Bernabéu.