Brahim Diaz, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Jr. scored for Real Madrid as they bounced back from their tie against Rayo Vallecano with a 3-0 win over SC Braga in the Champions League.

The objective is to maintain the current level of play and increase the pressure on Girona, who are currently surprised at the top of La Liga. If Madrid beats Rayo Vallecano and Girona loses to Huesca, Madrid will be in first place after the weekend.

But first, they have to win at Santiago Bernabeu against Valencia, one of the most anticipated Spanish matches in a decade.

Valencia appear to be on the rise again under Ruben Baraja after teetering on the brink of relegation for a few years. They have won five of their 12 games so far this season, and are unbeaten in their last five in all competitions.

With Barcelona hot on his heels, Carlo Ancelotti knows he can’t afford to make any mistakes and will start his best players tomorrow.

Defence: Nacho replaces Rudiger

This week, Madrid received the unsettling news that Kepa Arrizalabaga had sustained an injury in training and would be sidelined for two weeks.

Andriy Lunin, who took his spot in goal against Braga, played admirably and made a penalty save. Tomorrow, he’ll work again as the keeper.

Ancelotti did not have the services of Antonio Rudiger at his disposal tomorrow after the German picked up his fifth yellow card of the season already against Vallecano. Nacho is expected to take over for him in the middle of defense.

Since there are currently no other starting central defenders on Real Madrid’s roster, the team captain should start with David Alaba.

This makes Daniel Carvajal’s presence crucial for Madrid. He’ll keep playing right back but may also be asked to play center defense if necessary.

After Ferland Mendy’s lackluster performance at left back again this week, Fran Garcia is likely to take over for the Frenchman.

Midfield: Modric gets a start

Toni Kroos has been starting and sitting on the bench throughout the season, but after playing the full match against Braga, he will likely start on the bench tomorrow. In the middle of the field, Luka Modric should take his spot.

Due to Aurelien Tchouameni’s injury, Ancelotti is likely to keep Eduardo Camavinga in the starting lineup at defensive midfielder, with Federico Valverde playing with Luka Modric in the middle.

With Madrid’s comfortable victory this week, Jude Bellingham was able to get some much-needed rest and was not even needed off the bench. However, the Englishman will be back in the starting lineup, this time as the team’s offensive midfielder.

Attack: Brazil firepower

With a goal and an assist against Braga, Rodrygo had perhaps his greatest game of the season. Ancelotti understands more than anybody that the teenager has to start in an attempt to restore his confidence and momentum.

Although Joselu has a chance to return to the starting lineup, Vinicius Jr. is the favorite following his stellar performance against Braga, in which he scored, assisted, and created seven scoring opportunities.

Vinicius · Rodrygo

Bellingham

Modric · Camavinga · Valverde

Garcis · Alaba · Nacho · Carvajal

Lunin

Substitutes

After a strong performance in the UCL, in which he scored the first goal for Madrid, Brahim Diaz could be one of the first names off the bench tomorrow. Toni Kroos, too, will almost surely get minutes regardless of the match scenario.

Nico Paz, who started on his debut against Braga, might be used again off the bench. Even though he is the sole striker on the roster, Joselu will be counted on to contribute.