Gareth Bale is in line to start in a three-pronged attack for Real Madrid as they host Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Zinedine Zidane is poised to enter his third final of the UEFA Champions League as manager of Real Madrid. But, he must first lead his side to cross the hurdle that is Bayern Munich. Los Blancos already nabbed a slender 2-1 lead at the Allianz Arena, but Zidane’s job of ensuring his side’s place in final has been made difficult owing to an injury in a crucial position.
Dani Carvajal is out injured and with Nacho not fit either, Zidane is out of options on the right side of the defence. This means we could see Lucas Vazquez being deployed in a not-so-familiar role at right-back, which could come back to haunt them if Bayern Munich do end up exploiting that area of the pitch.
Zidane hinted at the possibility of fielding a player who is not a natural at right-back without mentioning a name in particular during his pre-match conference.
“I’m not going to say whether I’ve decide or not. Whatever happens, we’re a team. We’ve got a lot of players and we can do anything. The important thing is that the players are motivated. Everyone wants to play, also as full back.”
Sergio Ramos was rested during the weekend and should start at the back while Raphael Varane will likely slot in alongside the Real Madrid captain, despite not being 100% fit ahead of the game. Marcelo should continue on the left.
The midfield should see no changes, with Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos likely to take the field. In attack, though, there could be changes.
Zidane has chosen to field a 4-3-1-2 with Isco playing off the back of the two strikers. But, despite being back in training, Isco is not match-fit and is unlikely to start the game, which could see Zidane revert to a 4-3-3. Marco Asensio’s goal in the first-leg is likely to have ensured a start for him while Cristiano Ronaldo is guaranteed to start.
The last place in attack could be taken up by Gareth Bale after his brilliant performance during the weekend. This could thrust Ronaldo in a central attack role and will enable Asensio and Bale to exploit the wings with their pace and dribbling ability.
