Real Madrid: 5 players who must have a big April

Real Madrid are gearing up for a massive month of April after the current March international break, and they will be immediately met with a gauntlet of tough matches. After facing Eibar at home in their return, Real must face Liverpool twice in the Champions League quarterfinals with a Clasico sandwiched in between. And that Clasico could hold the fate of Real’s hopes of successfully defending the league.

In total, Los Blancos will play seven matches in April 2021, including a couple of other tricky La Liga fixtures against the likes of Real Betis.

Let’s take a look at five players who must have a big month in order for the team to succeed.

RB Dani Carvajal

We begin with a key player who should be returning from injury soon. Dani Carvajal has returned to training and is expected to suit up against Eibar in La Liga and then, crucially, the Champions League fixture against Liverpool on Tuesday, Apr. 6.

Carvajal is the most proven right back in the world and incredibly well-rounded. He can cross, carry the ball, and defend. His contributions will be vital against the Reds, who have one of the best forwards on this planet in Sadio Mane.

Lucas Vazquez is not a bad backup by any means, but Carvajal is clearly the starter for his experience, defensive know-how, and superior technical quality even in comparison to an attacking player in Vazquez. Real are more solid defensively, and Karim Benzema is better off when Carvajal is in the lineup. His health will be a key to victory in April.