Sport|FootballReal Madrid vs Juventus: UEFA Champions League – teams, start and lineupsReal Madrid face their first serious test of Champions League with a stellar matchup against former champions Juventus.

Sports Update: UEFA Champions League Match Preview

Date & Time: Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025, at 9:00 PM (19:00 GMT)

Coverage: Pre-match analysis begins on Al Jazeera Sport at 6:00 PM (16:00 GMT) with live text commentary.

Real Madrid, the leaders of La Liga, will host Juventus in a crucial UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 encounter. Both teams aim to enhance their standings in the group phase.

Real Madrid are currently second in their group, trailing Bayern Munich. They have maintained an unbeaten record in the UCL so far, and a win against Juventus is crucial before facing Liverpool on November 4.

Juventus are in 23rd position in the group phase, close to the elimination zone, with only two draws against Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal. A victory against Real Madrid is essential to remain competitive.

In their recent domestic league games, Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win against Getafe, reclaiming the top spot in La Liga. Juventus, on the other hand, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Como in Serie A, extending their winless streak to six games and dropping to seventh place.

Real Madrid have won the UEFA Champions League 15 times, with their most recent victory in the 2023-24 season. Juventus have won the title twice, with their last triumph in 1996.

Real Madrid and Juventus last met on July 2, 2025, during the FIFA Club World Cup, where Real Madrid won 1-0. Their last Champions League encounter was on April 11, 2018, when Real Madrid advanced with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

Real Madrid will be without several key players. Defender Dean Huijsen is out with a calf injury, while David Alaba is a game-time decision due to a calf issue. Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy remain sidelined.

Juventus will miss Gleison Bremer, who is recovering from knee surgery, and Juan Cabal, who is rehabilitating a thigh injury. Winger Edon Zhegrova is doubtful due to a hip injury. The team's formation remains uncertain following their recent loss.

Thibaut Courtois (GK); Fede Valverde, Eder Militao, Raul Asencio, Alvaro Carreras; Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono; Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe

Michele Di Gregorio (GK); Pierre Kalulu, Daniele Rugani, Lloyd Kelly, Andrea Cambiaso; Khephren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, Teun Koopmeiners; Francisco Conceicao, Jonathan David, Kenan Yildiz

Matches Played: 21 Real Madrid Wins: 10 Draws: 2 Juventus Wins: 9

Real Madrid: W-L-W-W-W (Most recent result last)

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.