Real Madrid are aiming to launch their Champions League campaign in style when they host Olympique Marseille at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday (September 16).
Xabi Alonso is enjoying a fantastic start to life in Spain, with Madrid having maintained their perfect record in La Liga with four wins from four matches, including a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Sociedad last weekend.
“We’re approaching it with the excitement levels that come with playing for Real Madrid in the Champions League,” Alonso said ahead of Tuesday’s match.
“It's special for this team, and playing at the Bernabeu, with all of that history, is even greater motivation.
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“The guys are eager to keep making progress, to keep growing and to face tough, top-level opposition.
“We’re up against a very good team tomorrow and we hope to start strongly.”
Madrid look in much better shape this season compared to last and they received another confidence-boosting lift this week with the return of two key midfielders.
Bellingham and Camavinga return
Madrid confirmed their squad for the league-phase opener, with Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga both included after lengthy spells on the sidelines.
📋✅ Our squad for the match!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 15, 2025
🆚 @OM_English pic.twitter.com/1qiyZYN5tc
Bellingham, who this summer underwent surgery on a long-standing shoulder injury caused by a dislocation that happened in 2023, rejoined full training during the international break.
The England international is back ahead of schedule, as he was initially expected to return only in October, but could now play a role off the bench against Marseille.
Camavinga, meanwhile, has also been given the green light after missing the start of the campaign with an ankle issue, though reports from AS indicate he might not feature until this weekend’s clash with Espanyol.
The Frenchman has been eased back into training over the past few weeks, with Madrid careful not to risk a recurrence.
Fitness problems have been a hefty concern for Alonso in the early weeks of the season, particularly after the demands of the Club World Cup.
Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, and Endrick have also been among those unavailable in the early stages of the season.
Even so, Madrid’s depth has carried them through domestically, and the return of Bellingham and Camavinga restores balance to a new-look midfield that also includes Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, and Arda Guler.
Alonso is expected to use the returning pair cautiously, but their inclusions serve as a massive boost Los Blancos, who are beginning to return to full strength just as the Champions League gets underway.
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