Mansion Sports – The long-standing European rivalry between Real Madrid and Juventus is set to reignite on the grand stage of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League. 

This classic encounter will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Spain, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 21:00 local time.

This match is more than just a battle for three points — it is a tactical duel between two managers with contrasting philosophie.

Xabi Alonso, who is shaping a modern, possession-based identity at Real Madrid, and Igor Tudor, who aims to restore Juventus to their former European glory.

Having met 21 times in official UEFA competitions, including two Champions League finals — both won by Real Madrid (in 1998 and 2017) — this fixture carries a rich history of rivalry and prestige.

Before the action begins, here is Mansion Sports’ prediction for the Real Madrid vs Juventus 2025 lineups.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Real Madrid

Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid have adopted a refreshing playing style that combines structured ball possession with rapid attacking transitions.

After leading Bayer Leverkusen to the 2024 Europa League final, Alonso now seeks to guide Los Blancos back to the summit of European football.

Madrid have enjoyed a flawless start to their Champions League campaign, securing a 2-1 victory over Marseille and a dominant 5-0 win against Kairat Almaty. 

Kylian Mbappé was the standout performer in Kazakhstan, netting a hat-trick that placed him atop the competition’s scoring chart with five goals. 

His sharp form has been instrumental in positioning Real Madrid as early favorites for a spot in the knockout stages.

Their home record is equally impressive — the Spanish giants have won 12 of their last 13 Champions League home matches, losing only once to AC Milan two years ago. Most recently, Madrid edged Getafe 1-0 in La Liga thanks to a late strike from Mbappé, maintaining a two-point lead over Barcelona at the top of the table.

However, Alonso faces a delicate challenge in managing squad rotation. The fixture against Juventus comes just days before the much-anticipated El Clásico, forcing the coach to balance energy conservation with the need to sustain momentum. 

Juventus have historically proven capable of unsettling Madrid at the Bernabéu, meaning complacency could prove costly.

Juventus

Juventus travel to Madrid in search of redemption and stability. Since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Italian side’s European form has significantly declined. 

Last season, they finished 20th in the league phase and were eliminated in the playoffs by PSV Eindhoven.

Under new head coach Igor Tudor, Juventus are attempting to rebuild their identity. Yet, results have been underwhelming so far. 

Their first two Champions League matches ended in draws — 4-4 against Borussia Dortmund and 2-2 versus Villarreal — exposing defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in closing out matches.

The Bianconeri are currently enduring an unusual run of five consecutive draws across all competitions, a sequence not seen in nearly two decades. 

To make matters worse, they recently suffered a 0-2 defeat to Como in Serie A, further dampening morale ahead of their trip to Spain.

Tudor’s biggest task lies in tightening his defense and reigniting attacking efficiency. With only one win in their last 11 away Champions League matches, Juventus must rediscover their resilience and tactical discipline if they hope to challenge Real Madrid on their home turf.

Predicted Lineups for Real Madrid vs Juventus 2025

Below is the projected lineup for the highly anticipated Real Madrid vs Juventus 2025 clash. Both teams are dealing with injuries and player rotations, which could significantly influence the outcome of this historic encounter.

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)

Real Madrid are currently facing a defensive crisis. Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and former Juventus defender Dean Huijsen have been ruled out due to injuries. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ferland Mendy have returned to training but are likely to be rested for El Clásico. 

David Alaba remains doubtful with a calf issue, while Dani Ceballos could make his comeback after missing last week’s fixture.

Juventus (3-4-2-1)

Juventus also enter the match with fitness concerns. Bremer and Juan Cabal are sidelined with injuries, while Fabio Miretti has only recently returned to training. Edon Zhegrova is expected to be named among the substitutes. 

Tudor is likely to deploy Francisco Conceição and Kenan Yildiz in supporting roles behind the main striker, with Dusan Vlahović and Jonathan David competing for the starting spot up front.

Final Thoughts

The Real Madrid vs Juventus encounter is not merely a test of star-studded lineups but also a tactical battle between two visionary managers with distinct football philosophies. 

Real Madrid enter the match in commanding form, riding a wave of victories and offensive brilliance, while Juventus arrive determined to prove that they still belong among Europe’s elite.

With history, prestige, and pride on the line, the stage is set for a captivating night at the Santiago Bernabéu. 

Fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with intensity, strategy, and moments that may define the trajectory of both teams in this season’s Champions League campaign. 

Make sure you follow every moment and keep an eye on the predicted lineups for Real Madrid vs Juventus 2025, as the choices made by Alonso and Tudor could shape the outcome of this iconic European showdown.