The Real Champs
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Three things to watch for ahead of Juventus vs. Real Madrid

By Sachin Bhat

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 03: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates with Karim Benzema after scoring his teamÕs second goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Getafe at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 3, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 03: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates with Karim Benzema after scoring his teamÕs second goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Getafe at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 3, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /
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PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 06: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid at Parc des Princes on March 6, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 06: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid at Parc des Princes on March 6, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images) /

Zidane must ring in the changes by dropping Benzema

Arguable it may sound, but Karim Benzema’s horrendous spell in front of the goal means he can’t be trusted. Not at this juncture into the season. A paltry return of only 9 goals in 35 outings is a damning indictment of the player’s dramatic fall from grace; so much so that he can no longer hit even the broadside of a barn.

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Ronaldo and Bale recently tried to help regain his confidence by letting him take a couple penalties, but his continued wastefulness doesn’t warrant him a place, especially in a game like this.

Zidane has been one of his constant admirers, but it’s time to get a bit more practical. Even if he’s seen dropping inside to help in the build-up, his glaring profligacy in matches like these would be inexcusable. Real Madrid really can’t afford that.

Also, maybe it’s time Isco gets his due. The Spaniard has been used sparingly by Zidane throughout the season despite promising in the bit part role. But his recent treble against Argentina, however, makes a good case for him starting in Turin on Tuesday.

The French gaffer could opt for a 4-4-2 diamond in that case, deploying Bale and Ronaldo upfront with Benzema relegated to the bench.

Next: Real Madrid injury update: Sergio Ramos and Isco ready to go against Juventus

Zidane does have a selection dilemma going into the fixture; let’s hope he comes up with the best possible!

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more coverage of Real Madrid in the Champions League!

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