Predicted Real Madrid XI — UCL Quarter-Final
Predicted Starting XI
Between the sticks with Courtois still out. £4.3m — budget GK option.
The former Liverpool man at right-back. £5.7m, still adjusting to Madrid's system.
Experienced centre-back, physical presence. £5.4m.
Young centre-back getting his chance at the Bernabéu.
Left-back slot, providing balance to Alexander-Arnold's attacking instincts.
Engine room. Covers every blade of grass. £6.8m.
Midfield anchor. Physical, disciplined. £6.4m.
Central midfield role in the 4-2-3-1 shape.
Right-side attacking midfielder. £6.1m — talented but inconsistent in UCL Fantasy scoring.
£11.1m, 82 pts, 55% owned. The most-owned player in the competition. Captaining him is safe but neutralised by ownership.
£9.6m, 78 pts, 24% owned, MID classification. The differential captain pick. 7 UCL assists — most in the competition.
UCL Fantasy Implications
**Vinícius Jr (£9.6m, MID, 24% owned)** is classified as a midfielder, meaning 5 pts per goal instead of 4 for forwards. With the most assists in the UCL this season and lower ownership than Mbappé, he is the smarter captain pick. **Mbappé (£11.1m, 55% owned)** is the safe pick but his massive ownership caps your rank gains.
Key Battle
Vinícius Jr vs whoever Bayern deploy at right-back. If Stanišić is there, Vinícius has a significant pace advantage. This could be the matchup that decides the tie.