Real Madrid players are ready to face the second game in the Champions League group stage this season. Los Blancos started very well this competition (3-0) thrashing AS Roma and now they want to get the three points in their trip to Moscow to face CSKA, who drew against Viktoria Plzen in their debut in the competition. The victory is a must for Lopetegui’s men after the disappointments in La Liga.
Julen Lopetegui is still calm despite the bad results in La Liga. It’s true that Los Blancos are topping the table together with FC Barcelona, but they failed to win 3 out of the last 4 games in La Liga. Besides, they couldn’t beat a single strong team this season -drawing against Athletic Club and Atlético Madrid- and losing against the city rivals in the European Supercup and Sevilla.
The coach spoke in press conference before the game and he explained why Sergio Ramos stayed in the Spanish capital. The manager wanted to give him some rest after a tough week, so there will be news in the defense line, with Marcelo ruled out for an injury. So Reguilón or Jesús Vallejo could have some minutes. Also Ceballos in the midfield could have a chance, especially after his good second half in the derby. Lucas Vázquez should replace Bale and Mariano still waits for an opportunity in the line-up.
The team hasn’t scored a goal in the last two games, but Lopetegui is not worried: “The feelings after a tough game were positive. We improved, being better than a team like Atlético Madrid. We are going to try to create as many chances as possible and I’m sure everything will go fine”, the coach said.
CSKA Moscow are fourth in the Russian Premier League, six points behind the leaders, Zenit Saint Petersbourg. However, the team is in a good strike and they haven’t lost since the fifth of August. Their draw in Czech Republic lets them dream with the qualification, but they will have to fight against AS Roma, who receive the visit of Viktoria Plzen.
