Predicted Real Madrid Line-up To Face Juventus In The Champions League
With one foot already through the door, Real Madrid will be looking to finish off the job and progress to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League when they welcome Juventus to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
The reigning European champions trounced Massimiliano Allegri’s men 3-0 in the first leg in Turin last week, courtesy of a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo along with a goal from Marcelo. Manager Zinedine Zidane will be hoping that his side put on a repeat of their performance against the Bianconeri in Italy last week and stay in the hunt to retain their Champions League title once again.
Probable Real Madrid XI
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Keylor Navas (GK)
The Costa Rican international looked unbeatable in the first leg in Turin and the manager will be hoping for more of the same on Wednesday.
Dani Carvajal (RB)
The 26-year old is more than a handy outlet for Madrid with his forward forays from the right-back position.
Casemiro (CB)
With Sergio Ramos suspended and Nacho and Jesus Vallejo both injured, Zidane might field Casemiro as a makeshift centre-half.
Raphael Varane (CB)
The Frenchman will have a lot riding on his shoulders on Wednesday in the absence of a natural centre-back alongside him.
Marcelo (LB)
At left-back, it should be Brazilian international Marcelo, who will be tasked with providing the width down the left-wing.
Mateo Kovacic (CM)
The 23-year-old Croatian midfielder has looked solid each time he has been given a chance by the manager. Has made 28 appearances so far in all competitions.
Luka Modric (CM)
The former Tottenham Hotspur man did not start the Madrid derby. Was brilliant in the first leg against Juve and will be hoping to put in a similar performance.
Toni Kroos (CM)
The 28-year-old German has 4 goals and 9 assists to his name this season, from 34 appearances. Brings the calm and composure to the Madrid midfield.
Isco (CAM)
The former Malaga playmaker was another bright spot for the Galacticos in the first leg against Juve and is likely to be picked again.
Karim Benzema (ST)
The French marksman hasn’t been in great form but continues to enjoy the complete backing of his manager.
Cristiano Ronaldo (ST)
The Portuguese maverick was Madrid’s destroyer-in-chief in the first leg in Turin and was on the scoresheet again against Atletico Madrid. It’s impossible to stop him when he fires on all cylinders.