Real Madrid take on Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League clash this week and barring a massive catastrophe, the Los Blancos should easily progress to the next round.
Madrid showed their European stature by winning the first leg 5-2 and with the kind of form that they are in right now, Ancelotti’s side are the favourites to win in midweek as well.
Real Madrid haven’t lost to Liverpool in their last 7 meetings and because Liverpool have been so inconsistent this season, we don’t expect any major upsets this time either. Obviously, Liverpool will throw the kitchen sink at the home side but that should make things easier for Ancelotti’s men.
Madrid’s form since that 5-2 win has not been great because they have won just one out of their previous four outings and amongst those, they have stumbled against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. However, getting past Liverpool should not be a problem cause they have such a solid lead.
Real Madrid’s team news and injuries:
Ferland Mendy and David Alaba are both ruled out with hamstring injuries and this is a bit of an issue for the Real Madrid manager.
With the two defenders out injured, Eduardo Camavinga was used at left-back against Espanyol and he should be used in the same role in midweek as well.
Tchouaméni, Toni Kroos and Modric all played in the 3-1 win at the weekend so the midfield is going to remain unchanged for the second leg.
Karim Benzema was missing during the weekend due to a minor ankle injury but his manager has confirmed he will be available for the second leg.
“(Benzema) has a knock on his ankle and it has swollen,” Ancelotti had said before the Espanyol game. “He has trained individually today and he will be ready for the game against Liverpool.”
Benzema’s return is going to be a very big boost for Real Madrid but it will also mean that Rodrygo will have to move to the bench because Valverde will hold onto the right winger’s role.
Real Madrid predicted line up vs Liverpool:
Predicted line up(4-3-3): Courtios; Rudiger, Militao, Camavinga, Carvajal; Kroos, Modric, Tchouaméni; Benzema; Vinicius, Valverde.
