Real Madrid: 3 keys to victory against Sheriff on Champions League Matchday 2
3. Real Madrid must start Miguel Gutierrez at left-back
Finally, the most important key according to me is to get the defensive setup back to normal. Nacho, who definitely is the most versatile defender in the squad, struggles the most at the left-back position. He gets the job done like he did against Villarreal but he has more than his fair share of nervy moments that puts the fans and his teammates in a terrible amount of stress.
My shout is to shift him back to the right-back position where the Spaniard seemed to settle well and have Miguel Gutierrez start at left-back, a position that the young man owns. His defensive contribution may be called out as a drawback but the team struggles defensively with or without him. He more than makes up for it with his attacking abilities though. He is a brilliant crosser of the ball and puts on some of the most delicious linkups with the forwards.
Having him on the flanks is another boon in the fact that Nacho, who would be playing on the right, would be a much more accomplished player for Sheriff’s left-back Cristiano to beat, who absolutely roasted the Shakhtar defense last time out, assisting both goals for his side with two brilliant deliveries into the box. Having Nacho battling with him is the best Real Madrid can do right now with Dani Carvajal out injured.
Next. Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs Sheriff Tiraspol: Major Rotations Expected. dark
The temporary right-back, Fede Valverde must return to his natural position in midfield and with Toni Kroos’s probable return, Real Madrid can absolutely dominate proceedings from the middle of the park. These highlighted changes should see Real Madrid through with a comfortable victory and help them stay atop the group that they’re favourites to win.