Predicted Real Madrid Lineup To Face Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid will look to confirm their involvement in the finals of the UEFA Champions League when they take on local rivals Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the semi-finals at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday night.
Zinedine Zidane’s side come into the game in a very strong position, having thrashed Los Rojiblancos 3-0 in the first leg of the tie at the Santiago Bernabeu last week. They remain as the overwhelming favourites to go through to the finals – their third in four seasons if they manage to qualify. Confidence will be high in the Real camp after they defeated Granada 4-0 over the weekend, and that too with a second-string side.
Team News
Defender Pepe has returned to training, but is unlikely to take part. Gareth Bale remains unavailable, while full-back Dani Carvajal has been ruled out for the season. Zidane is expected to bring back all the stars who were rested for the weekend’s game against Granada.
Real Madrid Probable Playing XI:
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Keylor Navas (GK)
The Costa Rican international was rested in favour of Kiko Casilla for the weekend. He will return to man the goal against Diego Simeone’s men.
Danilo (RB)
With Dani Carvajal ruled out for the season, the right-back spot will be open for a toss up between Danilo and Nacho. But given the Brazilian’s excellent showing on Saturday, he could keep his place in the line-up.
Raphael Varane (CB)
The Frenchman made his return from injury against Atletico last week and had a great game. After being benched for the weekend, he will be reinstated to the starting XI.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
The captain was one of the two players to have played both the games last week. He will want to put in a commanding display and lead his team into the finals.
Marcelo (LB)
Has been one of the best players for Madrid over the course of the season and arguably the best left-back in Europe. Will return to the line-up in place of Fabio Coentrao after missing out on Saturday.
Luka Modric (CM)
The man who keeps the Madrid midfield ticking, Modric is invaluable to Zidane’s plans. Will come in for Mateo Kovacic.
Casemiro (CM)
The other player to have played the two games last week, Casemiro is an important cog in the middle of the park. Another start on the cards on Tuesday.
Toni Kroos (CM)
The German international will return to the starting XI after having been benched against Granada, in place of Saturday’s exemplary performer James Rodriguez.
Isco (RW)
Had a cameo against Granada over the weekend. Expect him to start on the right-flank at the Vicente Calderon.
Karim Benzema (ST)
His goal-scoring woes seem never ending, but the Frenchman enjoys the backing of his manager. He will return to the playing XI ahead of Alvaro Morata, despite the Spaniard’s excellent form.
Cristiano Ronaldo (LW)
The hat-trick hero in the first leg, Cristiano Ronaldo will look to pick things up from where he left last Tuesday against Simeone’s men.