Braga vs Real Madrid: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Los Blancos will be looking to strengthen their position at the top of Group C.

Real Madrid will be looking to strengthen their position at the top in Group C when they head to play Braga at Estádio Municipal de Braga on Tuesday night. The Spanish giant's impressive four-game winning streak came to an end when they played 1-1 draw against Sevilla. Madrid reigned supreme in this competition, on the other hand  Portuguese striving to assert their presence among the elite contenders. Also, Braga booked their place in the Champions League for the first time in ten years. 

Madrid collected a hard fought win against Union Berlin 1-0 at home followed by an animated win over Napoli by 3-2 win which took them to the top of the table. On the other hand, Artur Jorge's side managed to win away from home against Union Berlin on Matchday 2, earlier were handed a 2-1 defeat at home by Napoli in the opening group fixture match. Los Blancos are at the top of the table in LaLiga with only one loss in 10 matches while Braga are currently in fourth position in the Primeira League. 

Kick-Off:

Wednesday, 25 October 2023 at 8:00 PM BST (12:30 AM IST)

Location:  Estádio Municipal de Braga, Braga

Form

Real Madrid (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-W-D

Braga (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-W-W

Players to watch out

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Jude Bellingham has emerged as one of the vital players for Real Madrid this season. He is a dynamic and versatile midfielder who can play in a variety of positions, excellent at driving forward with the ball and creating chances for his teammates. Bellingham carries the potential to single-handedly change the outcome of a game. If Bellingham can deliver a performance that matches his full potential, Real Madrid will be in a commanding position to clinch victory.

Simon Banza (Braga)

Simon Banza has been one of the breakout stars of the UEFA Champions League this season. He is a powerful and athletic forward who is a constant threat in the air and on the ground. Aso, a clinical finisher whose goals have been crucial in Braga's qualification for the knockout stages.

Match facts:

• This is the first ever competitive meeting between Sporting Braga and Real Madrid.
• Real Madrid have won their opening two Champions League games.
• Real Madrid and Braga are undefeated in their last 5 games. 

Injury & Team news

Victor Gomez and Ricardo Hota are both doubtful for hosts but Artur Jorges can still rely on prolific goal-scorers like Bruma, Alvaro Djalo, and Simon Banza, each of whom has found the back of the net six times this season. 

On the other hand, Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao remain long term absentees for Real Madrid with David Alba also sidelined.

Head to Head

This will be the first meeting between the two sides.

Predicted lineup for Braga vs Real Madrid:

Real Madrid predicted lineup:

Arrizabalaga, Carvajal, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Mendy, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric, Bellingham, Joselu, Vinicius Jr

Braga predicted lineup:

Sa, Vitor Carvalho, Fonte, Oliveira, Marin, Castro, Soumare, Roney Lopes, Horta, Djalo, Ruiz

Match prediction

Braga has been doing well lately, but they're up against a tough challenge, facing the star-packed Madrid team. Also, Madrid is way more skilled and has more experience. Considering the fact that Real Madrid have won nine of their last ten games it will be too much for Braga to match up against the Los Blancos

Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Barga

Telecast

India – Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network

UK – TNT Sports

US –  CBS Sports

Nigeria – Supersport