Real Madrid will be in action this Sunday against the relegation doomed Malaga side who are rock bottom in the La Liga table. The Los Blancos side blew off their three-goal lead at the Bernabeu against Juventus in the second leg clash. It was left to their usual saviour Cristiano Ronaldo, who slotted in a penalty deep into the stoppage time which allowed Madrid to go through to a yet another semi-final.
Zidane could be without Modric and Carvajal for their trip to Malaga. Modric appeared to have some issue in the quarter-final clash against Juventus and he was replaced by Mateo Kovacic with 15 odd minutes remaining. Carvajal did go on to play the full game midweek but he missed their Friday’s team training.
Madrid has had a poor season in the La Liga as they are languishing at fourth and are 15 points off the pace to their rivals Barcelona. Ronaldo might be rested for this encounter as Real Madrid will hope that their bench strength is good enough to see off the 20th placed team. Real Madrid will be facing Bayern Munich later this month and Zidane will be hoping that all his key players are well rested for the big Champions League encounter.
Nacho has been out injured after their win against Las Palmas and he won’t be available for this fixture. Apart from that Madrid don’t seem to have any injury concern.
Here is the most likely Real Madrid XI for this weekend’s clash
Defence
Navas will be expected to start in goal even though he made a big error in the previous game against Juventus. That was a one-off mistake as Navas has been having a good season for the Galacticos. Ramos will be expected to lead the defence line. He was suspended for their second leg encounter against Juventus but he doesn’t have any such issue for this weekend.
He will be partnered by Varane. Marcelo will be in his usual left back position. If Carvajal is rested we might see Lucas Vasquez taking up the right-back spot.
Midfield
Modric might be carrying a slight niggle so Kovacic should start. Casemiro will play in his usual defensive midfielder role. Kroos will partner those two in midfield and will initiate Madrid attacks from the middle of the pitch.
Read More: Real Madrid Goalkeeper Wants To See Out His Contract: Good News For The Galacticos?
Attack
With Ronaldo being rested the talented Asensio should start. Bale and Benzema will be the other attacking threat for Zidane’s team. If things don’t go to plan, Zidane can always bring Ronaldo from the bench to influence the game
