Following a stuttering start to the campaign Real Madrid will travel to Signal Iduna Park as they face Champions League rivals Borussia Dortmund. Down the years, the German giants have been one of the toughest rivals for the twelve times European Champions in their history of the competition. Zinedine Zidane’s men will look for the elusive victory at the Signal Iduna Park, after gaining momentum from their 2:1 win over Alaves on the weekend.
Let’s take a look at the probable Real Madrid lineup to feature against the Black and Yellows.
Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas hasn’t been in the best of forms this season. But he did manage to keep a clean sheet against APOEL on Matchday 1. However, keeping out the Dortmund attack will be a lot harder.
Center Back(L): Raphael Varane prevailed against Dortmund last season, where he kept Aubameyang in his pocket for the entire game. However, the Gabonese superstar is a much-improved player now and keeping him adrift will be crucial to Zidane’s gameplan on Tuesday.
Right Back: Danny Carvajal will play a crucial role in the right back position. Widely regarded as one of the best right backs in the world, the Spanish International’s defensive skills will be put to test against a fluent Dortmund attack.
Center Back(R): Sergio Ramos has been one of the bright spots in Real Madrid’s dire start to the campaign this season. The Spanish International will look to lead his side to a victory against the Black and Yellows.
Left Back: Marcelo is doubtful for the clash, which could be a real blow for Madrid especially with the likes of Theo Hernandez and Jesus Vallejo also being unavailable for Zinedine Zidane. Nacho Fernandez could deputize the Brazilian fullback on the left.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Casemiro could be the most important player in the Real Madrid midfield. He’s the glue that sticks the midfielder together for Los Blancos. Borussia Dortmund will be wary of his importance on the night.
Central Midfield(R): Luka Modric will start on the right-hand side of midfield for Real Madrid. The Croatian’s ball carrying abilities will be paramount to Madrid’s progression in the final third.
Central Midfield(L): Toni Kroos’ sensational passing range will help Real be more dangerous on the break. But the German midfield maestro did not train with the team and is doubtful for the clash. Dani Ceballos, who scored a brace in the win against Alaves could replace him in midfield.
Right Wing: The whole formation depends on Isco starts. Isco is very versatile in the offensive and midfield positions. We expect him to start from the right flank and eventually drift into the middle as the game wears on.
Striker: Real Madrid were hugely aided by the comeback of Cristiano Ronaldo following Karim Benzema’s injury. Ronaldo will look to add to impressive scoring tally in the Champions League this season against Borussia Dortmund.
Left Wing: Gareth Bale needs to get a grip on the game early on, if he is to get past a sturdy Dortmund defence, which conceded only one goal in the Bundesliga this season. His physicality and directness will be key in breaking down Peter Bosz’s defensive solidity.
This is how they could line up:
