Wed Jan 22 19:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Ancelotti Announces Four Changes for Real Madrid’s Champions League Clash Against Salzburg Amidst Contract Speculation

**MADRID** – Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti will make four changes to his starting lineup for Wednesday’s crucial Champions League match against RB Salzburg. The changes come as Real Madrid faces the possibility of a playoff round after unexpected defeats earlier in the group stage. Ancelotti acknowledged the need to win their remaining two games to secure automatic qualification for the last 16, stating, “If we have any chance to get through automatically, it’s to win the two remaining games.”

The match will also take place against a backdrop of reports from Onda Cero that Ancelotti has informed the club of his intention to leave at the end of the season, despite his contract running until mid-2026. However, Ancelotti clarified the situation in his pre-match press conference, stating that his departure date is not his decision and that he hopes to stay until the end of Florentino Perez’s presidency, which is expected to last four more years.

The starting XI against Salzburg will see Thibaut Courtois in goal, defended by a backline featuring Fran Garcia, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, and the unusual choice of Fede Valverde at right-back due to injuries. Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric will form a double pivot, supporting Jude Bellingham in midfield alongside wingers Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. Kylian Mbappé will lead the attack as the central striker.

The full starting XI is: Courtois; Fran Garcia, Rudiger, Asencio, Valverde; Ceballos, Modric; Vinicius, Bellingham, Rodrygo; Mbappe. The match promises to be a pivotal one for Real Madrid’s Champions League hopes, with the team facing added pressure from off-field contract speculation.

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