Real Madrid face a complicated challenge as they need to beat Atletico de Madrid to move into the semi-finals of the Champions League and they will have to line-up a very unusual starting eleven due to their injury crisis.
Carlo Ancelotti will miss Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema due to injury, and Marcelo is also a loss due to suspension. Thus, the Italian is forced to make at least four changes in his usual line-up.
Fabio Coentrao will most likely replace Marcelo at left-back, and Isco will feature in midfield, although his role is not yet clear. Ancelotti could line him up in the centre alongside Toni Kroos, placing Jese Rodriguez on the wing. However, it seems more probable that Isco will play on the wing, leaving Modric’s role to Asier Illarramendi.
The Italian will also have to decide whether Jese or Chicharito Hernandez will replace Karim Benzema. The Mexico international is expected to feature from the start following his brilliant performances in the last couple of games.
Diego Simeone will only miss midfielder Mario Suarez, who could be replaced by Tiago or Saul Niguez. Mario Mandzukic is also a doubt, as he’s suffering problems in his ankle.
The goalless draw obtained in the first leg is a tricky result for Los Blancos. Should Atletico score, things would turn difficult. A victory is the only result that would directly qualify Real for the next round. Ancelotti men haven’t won any of their seven previous games against their city rivals.
Possible line-ups:
Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Coentrao; James Rodriguez, Illarramendi, Kroos, Isco; Chicharito, Ronaldo.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Gamez; Arda Turan, Gabi, Tiago, Koke; Griezmann, Torres.
