Real Madrid suffered a shock defeat against Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie, and are now faced with the challenge of overturning the two-goal deficit at the Santiago Bernabeu.
While their home advantage on Tuesday makes Real Madrid overwhelming favourites to win the match, Wolfsburg have been excellent in the Champions League so far and are currently on a five-match winning run in the competition.
Lineups
Real Madrid
Los Blancos enjoyed a resounding victory over Eibar at the weekend and will be further boosted in this match with the return of Toni Kroos and Gareth Bale, who were rested in the 4-0 win. Also making his way back into the team is centre-back Sergio Ramos, who was suspended against Eibar after being sent off in El Clasico.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Navas; Marcelo, Ramos, Pepe, Carvajal; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
VfL Wolfsburg
The Wolves will travel with a full-strength squad to Madrid with the sole exception of Sebastian Jung, who has been ruled out due to a knee injury. Daniel Caligiuri is doubtful for the match due to a groin problem.
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Benaglio; Rodriguez, Dante, Naldo, Vierinha; Guilavogui, Gustavo; Draxler, Arnold, Henrique; Schurrle.
Key Stats
- Wolfsburg are on a five-match winning streak in the Champions League.
- Real Madrid have scored 12 goals in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Wolfsburg have conceded six in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Real Madrid’s last three Champions League games have seen less than 2.5 goals on average.
- Wolfsburg are vying to compete in their first ever Champions League semi-final.
Prediction
Real Madrid 3 – 1 Wolfsburg
Although they have underperformed in the Bundesliga, Wolfsburg have been a completely different proposition in the Champions League, and will look to give Real Madrid a stern test in the match. They always look like they could score a goal with the likes of Andre Schurrle and Julian Draxler running riot up field and Dieter Hecking’s men could well spoil the party at the Bernabeu even if they do fall to a defeat in the second leg.
Odds (paddypower)
- Real Madrid: 1/5
- Draw: 6/1
- VfL Wolfsburg: 12/1
