We are just hours away from kickoff in the huge second leg match up in the Champions League quarterfinal as Real Madrid host Bayern Munich after defeating the Bavarians in Munich last week 2-1. Ben Sundock tells you how to watch the match and gives you his final predictions for the match.
Line Up Predictions:
Real Madrid:
Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas
Navas is the clear starter today, especially after resting the Sporting Gijón match on Saturday. Kiko Casilla has played well in relief appearances, but this is Keylor’s stage. The Costa Rican hasn’t looked anywhere near his best, but last week’s match in Munich might be a sign of change to come.
Let’s hope Keylor can play like he did against the Bavarians again today.
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo
The back four we have started to become familiar with. Nacho, Sergio Ramos, and Marcelo all played Saturday in the grinding 3-2, so Carvajal is the only rested defender available for the match.
Expect Marcelo and Cavajal to not push as far forward as usual, holding down Ribery and Robben on the wings, and worrying about Robert Lewandowski in the middle.
Midfield: Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric
Another line of midfielders Real Madrid fans have become accustomed to seeing. Mainly in Champions League matches.
All three of the players didn’t start on Saturday and should be well rested and set to go for a full 90 minutes today if called upon to do so. Casemiro has been struggling, not dominating the holding midfield like he has been known to do in the past.
He will need to have a huge game in order to keep Real’s one goal aggregate lead.
Forwards: Isco, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo
No Gareth Bale means the hottest man should step in. That man being Isco.
Isco scored two brilliant goals Saturday, and should feature on the right wing of the Real Madrid top line with Gareth Bale out with a calf injury. Benzema and Ronaldo both didn’t make the trip to Gijón with this crucial match today and El Clasico looming come the weekend.
Let’s see if Ronaldo can scrounge another goal or two today and seal the result.
How to Watch the Match
Kickoff Time: 20:45 CET, 02:45pm EST, 1:45pm CST
Available TV: FOX Sports (USA), Antena 3 (Spain).
Available streaming: FOX Sports 2GO (USA), Fubo.TV
Match Predictions
Ben Sundock: Real Madrid 2 (Ronaldo, Isco) – Bayern Munich 1 (Lewandowski)
Alex McVey: Real Madrid 2 (Ronaldo, Benzema) – Bayern Munich 2 (Ribery, Lewandowski)
Luis Castillo: Real Madrid 1 (Benzema) – Bayern Munich 1 (Lewandowski)