Predicted Real Madrid Lineup To Face Bayern Munich
Holders Real Madrid will look to seal their progress to the last-four of the UEFA Champions League when they take on Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of their quarter-finals tie on Tuesday night.
Los Galacticos take a one-goal advantage into the game, after having defeated the German side 2-1 at the Allianz Arena last week, thanks to a double from star man Cristiano Ronaldo. And considering the injury issues that are troubling Bayern, the odds are stacked in favour of Madrid to make it to the semi-finals. They come into the game following an excellent comeback 3-2 victory against Sporting Gijon over the weekend and will be hoping to carry forward the momentum.
Team News
Manager Zinedine Zidane will continue to be deprived of the services of defensive duo Raphael Varane and Pepe due to a thigh problem and rib injury respectively. Star attacker Gareth Bale remains a doubt after picking up a calf injury in the previous leg. Having rested almost all of his first-choice options over the weekend, a horde of changes are expected in the starting XI.
Here is how Madrid could line up on Tuesday night:
Probable Real Madrid Line-Up:
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Keylor Navas (GK)
One of the many stars who was rested for the weekend, Navas will return in between the sticks against Bayern in place of Kiko Casilla.
Dani Carvajal (RB)
The Spaniard’s understudy, Danilo, had a great game against Sporting over the weekend. But Carvajal on any day is a much better option to have in the ranks. He will start at right-back.
Nacho (CB)
The versatile defender will keep his place in the playing XI due to the continued unavailability of Pepe and Varane. He will need to perform at the best of his abilities against a strong Bayern attack.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
Captain and star defender Sergio Ramos is a constant figure in the playing XI. He will have a key role to play if Madrid are to hold on to their lead.
Marcelo (LB)
The Brazilian will need to be alert to the threat of Arjen Robben as the Dutchman has the ability to take the game away from Real Madrid single-handedly.
Casemiro (DM)
Made a brief cameo against Sporting over the weekend. Will return to the line-up in place of Mateo Kovacic and will add steel to the Los Blancos’ midfield.
Luka Modric (CM)
Often the beating heart of the Madrid midfield, Modric too was rested for the weekend game. He will be vital for the home side against the Germans.
Toni Kroos (CM)
The German international will be extremely keen to put in another strong display against his former team, after impressing last week.
Isco (RW)
Was the hero for Madrid against Sporting by scoring two brilliant goals. With Bale likely to miss out, Isco should keep his place in the line-up albeit in a different role, on the right-flank.
Karim Benzema (ST)
The Frenchman is a key presence on the field for the Galacticos due to his all-round abilities. He should replace Alvaro Morata, who started at the weekend.
Cristiano Ronaldo (LW)
Star of the first-leg, Ronaldo was in imperious form against Die Roten last time around. After being rested over the weekend, he will be raring to go once again.