Gareth Bale remains a doubt after being taken off in the previous leg having picking up a calf injury.
Champions League Holders Real Madrid will look to nail their brilliant 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 clash on Tuesday night.
Zinedine Zidane’s side take a one-goal advantage into their clash with the Bavarians, after defeating them 2-1 at the Allianz Arena last week, thanks to a double from star Cristiano Ronaldo. Moreover, considering Bayern’s injury issues, the odds are in favour of Madrid making it to the semi-finals. Over the weekend, the Los Blancos came into the game with an excellent 3-2 comeback victory against Sporting Gijon over the weekend. They will be hoping to carry forward such inspiring performance when they face the German side for their second leg.
Team News
As far as this is concerned, Real’s boss Zinedine Zidan will lead his team into the clash without the services of Raphael Varane and Pepe in the defence due to a thigh problem and rib injury on the duo. Also, Gareth Bale remains a doubt after being taken off in the previous leg having picking up a calf injury. Having put to bench, most of all his first-choice options over the weekend, there would be a lot of changes in starting XI that will face Bayern Munich.
Here is how they will line up this night at Santiago Bernabeu:
Probable Real Madrid Line-Up:
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Keylor Navas (GK)
One among the stars who was rested for the weekend clash, Navas is expected to remain between the sticks for Real against Bayern in place of Kiko Casilla.
Dani Carvajal (RB)
The Spanish international weekend replacement, Danilo was really impressive against Sporting over the weekend. However, the Spaniard on any day is a much better option to have in the ranks. He will definitely start at right-back.
Nacho (CB)
Due continued unavailability of Pepe and Varane, Nacho will keep his place in the playing XI. Nacho will need to hold on to his best abilities for his side when they face strong Bayern’s attack.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
Team captain and star defender. The Spaniard is a constant figure in Real’s playing XI. He will have a strong key role to play if his side are to hold on to their lead.
Marcelo (LB)
Marcelo, and iconic figure at the back. The Brazilian will need to be alert to the threat coming from Arjen Robber as the Dutch forward has the ability of tearing apart defence from the left-back.
Casemiro (DM)
Casemiro short appearance against La Liga side over the weekend. He will return to the starting line-up in place of Mateo Kovacic and will bring in more strength to the midfield.
Luka Modric (CM)
Often the beating heart of Real Madrid midfield. The former Tottenham Hotspur man too was on the bench for the weekend game. Modric will be vital for his side against the Bundesliga champions.
Toni Kroos (CM)
The Germany international will be extremely keen to put in another strong performance against his former side, after playing brilliant last week.
Isco (RW)
The Spaniard was the hero for his side against Sporting over the weekend by bagging a brilliant brace. With Gareth Bale likely to miss out the clash, Isco should replace the Welshman in the line-up albeit in a different role, on the right-flank.
Karim Benzema (ST)
Benzema is an important player on the field for the Los Galacticos due to his all-round abilities. He will definitely benched out Alvaro Morata, who started at the weekend for Real
Cristiano Ronaldo (LW)
Man, of the match for Real in the first-leg, Cristiano Ronaldo was in great form against strong Bayern’s defence in the previous leg. The Portuguese international should start for Real after being rested over the weekend. We would be expecting to see some more brilliant goals from him. #HalaMadrid.
