Real Madrid will be facing their neighbourhood club Atletico Madrid in the much anticipated Champions League semifinal at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid have been able to defeat their archrivals in the previous three editions with two of them in the final of the same competition and they would be very adamant to crush their opponents for the fourth time.
Madrid have the chance to do a double this season as they are also in touching distance of the La Liga title despite losing the El Clasico. Zinedine Zidane’s side will be competing in the semis for the 7th season on a roll while Atletico have reached the semis for the third time in the last four years. Both the managers have some tough calls to make as a number of crucial players will be unavailable.
Team News And Predicted Lineup
Real Madrid
Los Blancos will be missing Gareth Bale and Pepe. Bale suffered a recurrence of his injury and it has been told that he might be ruled out for the rest of the season. On a positive note, Raphael Varane is fit for the game and he might be in the starting lineup giving Zidane a sigh of relief. Looking at the recent matches either Isco or James Rodriguez is favourite to be deployed on the right wing.
Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Ronaldo, Benzema, James
Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone is facing a dilemma before choosing his starting lineup. Both the right backs Juanfran and Sime Vrsaljko are out of the match with injuries and Simeone has to decide who will replace them. Yannick Carrasco has recovered much quicker than expected and he is expected to start.
Oblak; Partey; Godín; Savić; Luis; Carrasco; Gabi; Saul; Koke; Griezmann; Gameiro
Key Players
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese has been particularly devastating in the Champions League this season. He recently netted his 100th goal in the Champions League and a player of his calibre always waits for their turn. Los Blancos will be trying to defend their Champions League title for the first time in history and for that Ronaldo has to do what he has been doing, scoring goals.
Atletico Madrid
Antoine Griezmann
Atleti will be looking for that crucial away goal and with the likes of Griezmann in the team, they sure do have a chance at the Santiago Bernabeu. The inform French attacker is a delight to watch when he is in form and he very rarely gets injured. His work ethics and fitness regime has made him a renowned player in the world.
