Benzema and Modric absent as Real Madrid prepare for RB Leipzig clash - in pictures

Champions League holders will win Group F with victory in Germany on Tuesday

Antonio Rüdiger, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni take part in a training session at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig, Germany ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League match against RB Leipzig. AP

Real Madrid players take part in a training session at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig. AP

Toni Kroos, right, and his Real Madrid teammates take part in a training session at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig. AP

Toni Kroos takes part in a Real Madrid training session. AFP

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti oversees a training session. AFP

Real Madrid's players take part in a training session in Leipzig, Germany, 24 October 2022. Real Madrid will face RB Leipzig in their UEFA Champions League Group F soccer match on 25 October. EPA / MARTIN DIVISEK

Real Madrid players take part in a training session in Leipzig. EPA

Jesus Vallejo Lazaro takes part in a Real Madrid training session. EPA

Thibaut Courtois takes part in a Real Madrid training session in Leipzig. EPA

Lucas Vazquez takes part in a Real Madrid training session in Leipzig. EPA

Carlo Ancelotti oversees a Real Madrid training session. AFP

Toni Kroos and his Real Madrid teammates take part in a training session. AFP

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has said Karim Benzema and Luka Modric are being rested for Tuesday's Champions League match at RB Leipzig as a precaution amid an "intense period of the season".

The European champions are all but secured of their place in the knockout stages, sitting top of Group F on 10 points, four clear of second-placed Leipzig and five ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk in third with two games to play.

Despite their commanding position, Ancelotti is keen for his team to cement top spot, saying: "The aim for tomorrow is to finish top of the group. We’ve got the chance to do it and we’re focussed. We have to put on a good performance to be able to forget about this stage."

Preparing for the clash at Leipzig, the Real Madrid squad took to the Red Bull Arena Leipzig pitch on Monday evening for a final training session, although there were a couple of notable absences.

"Of course the players are thinking about reaching the World Cup in good condition, but you’re also in good condition when you’ve been playing regularly," Ancelotti said.

"We don’t want to take any risks at such an important moment, it’s better to lose Karim or Modric for one game than for one month. That’s how we manage these kinds of situations."

Check out the best photos from Real Madrid's training session in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or swipe.