Real Madrid began their quest for a record-extending 15th Champions League title by giving fans a glimpse of what they can expect from the future, with Carlo Ancelotti dropping a not-so-subtle hint as to how Kylian Mbappe will play next season.
An already fearsome squad is set to be augmented by the arrival of Mbappe from PSG on a free transfer.
Although a deal has not yet been made official, it is expected that it will be concluded early next week.
There has been much speculation over how Mbappe might fit into this Real Madrid team.
With Vinicius Junior cooking on the left, producing a campaign worthy of winning the Ballon d’Or, Mbappe may be denied his favoured role when he moves to the Bernabeu – at least at first.
Kylian Mbappe at the Monaco Grand Prix
Mbappe through the middle
Ancelotti’s starting XI for the Champions League final certainly suggests it will pan out that way for the World Cup winner.
Real Madrid started the game without a recognised centre-forward. Instead, it was Jude Bellingham listed in the role, with Vini Jr taking his usual spot on the left and Rodygo featuring on the right.
Of course, there will be no need for all three players in this system next season.
Bellingham will be the player sacrificed from the forward line, with the England international set to drop into a deeper position in midfield. It is the one that he played at Borussia Dortmund, although Ancelotti will be eager to somehow retain the offensive impact he has made this season from a more withdrawn area.
Mbappe, meanwhile, is the logical choice to slot into the No.9 position without shaking things up too significantly.
He will be the most experienced option in that area with the exception of Joselu, who will be signed permanently as a backup.
So will Real Madrid ever get to see Mbappe in his best role? Inevitably they will. Vini Jr will not be able to play every week, but if the PSG star is to operate there consistently, he will have to take these chances to force his way in.