Real Madrid are coming off an incredible 4-1 victory over Granada in La Liga on Sunday at Los Carmenes, and now they are preparing for another road trip. But this time, they will be traveling a little further out, as they must face Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova on Wednesday night on Matchday 5 of the 2021-2022 UEFA Champions League.
Los Blancos outright lost to Sheriff in their earlier meeting, 2-1. Though the heavy favorites outplayed the visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu, the opposition goalkeeper was immense. Sheriff found their two goals, and they actually are in position to qualify for the knockout stages if they have one more upset in them.
For Real Madrid, the name of the game is rotations. They must face Inter Milan, Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla soon. All are pivotal matches in the league and European competition.
Fede Valverde and Eden Hazard are two well-known players who could have received starting opportunities against Sheriff. The former has been out since before the break with an injury he suffered at Barcelona, while the latter missed Sunday’s match with gastroenteritis.
Eden Hazard misses out on a huge chance to start
According to the official Real Madrid matchday squad for Wednesday’s fixture, neither Valverde nor Hazard will be available.
Fans had hoped that Valverde would be able to return this weekend, but only Rodrygo Goes recovered in time to play against Granada. It will be another week from Sunday for Valverde’s return, as Madridistas must hope he will be available for the big league tilt against Sevilla.
Hazard was also expected to return from his illness, but Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid are not taking any chances with the oft-absent attacker. He would have given Vinicius Junior some well-earned rest, and an opportunity in the Champions League at Sheriff would have been a great one for Hazard to get back on track. This has been a very difficult season for the Belgian, particularly in recent weeks. His spot in the lineup has become obsolete.
Valverde, meanwhile, is important to Real, both because of his skill-set and because of the relief he provides to the preferred “old guard” in midfield. Eduardo Camavinga could get the opportunity Valverde may have received at Sheriff, as Luka Modric could be rested. Toni Kroos and Casemiro seem locked in to start, especially when you consider the kind of form Kroos is in.
So no Valverde or Hazard on Wednesday. Valverde’s return would be most important for the Sevilla fixture, while we can only feel bad for Hazard, who is very unlikely to play in that fixture. Sheriff was his opportunity, but it is better for him to rest if he is still not well.