Real Madrid have landed in Rome and unveiled a starting eleven that reflects Jose Mourinho’s pragmatic approach to the club’s second group‑stage encounter of the campaign. The Spanish giants will take the field at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night, 21:00 CEST, after a brief stay at the Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria. The squad’s travel itinerary – a two‑hour flight from Madrid’s Barajas airport to Rome – underscores the club’s intent to arrive rested and ready for the tactical battle that awaits.

Mourinho’s selection leans heavily on defensive solidity. Thibaut Courtois retains his place between the posts, while the back line pairs Ibrahima Konaté with Dean Huijsen, a pairing praised for its blend of height, speed and physicality. Konaté’s towering presence and quick recovery runs are expected to neutralise Roma’s rapid attackers, particularly Donyell Malen, whose form has been described as “incredible”. On the right flank, Denzel Dumfries returns to a familiar opponent, having won nine of his eleven previous meetings with Roma and netting twice in those encounters. The left side sees Marc Cucurella slotting in, a decision that reflects his gradual integration after a sluggish