Spanish Clubs Face Diverse Champions League Challenges
Three Spanish clubs are in action on Tuesday, each with distinct goals in the Champions League group stage. Real Madrid travels to Union Berlin, already assured of top spot in Group C. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to rest key players like Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos, handing valuable minutes to Dani Ceballos, Fran Garcia, and potentially Kepa in goal.
Real Sociedad needs to avoid defeat away to Inter Milan in their final group match to finish top of Group D and secure a home advantage for the second leg of the first knockout stage. The team’s impressive 3-0 victory over Villarreal on Saturday was overshadowed by the loss of influential midfielder Brais Mendez. He fractured his arm after a challenge from Etienne Capoue and will undergo surgery. Ander Barrenetxea also remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained against Osasuna.
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Sevilla heads to Lens with no chance of reaching the Champions League knockout stage following their 3-2 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven two weeks ago. A win in France is crucial for securing a Europa League berth in the New Year. However, their struggles continue with a 1-0 loss to Mallorca at the weekend, extending their winless streak across La Liga and Europe since Diego Alonso replaced Jose Luis Mendilibar two months ago. Rumors suggest his job security is solely due to a lack of available replacements.
Further complicating matters for Alonso, he is without 14 first-team players for Tuesday’s game. Fernando and Lucas Ocampos are suspended after red cards, while injuries sideline Joan Jordan, Suso, Erik Lamela, Dodi Lukebakio (twisted knee ligament against Mallorca), and others. With a depleted squad of only 18 players traveling to France, Alonso desperately needs a committed performance to salvage his job and Europa League hopes.
