Real Madrid clinched their third win in a row in all competitions as the Galacticos decimated Melilla in their Copa Del Rey clash at Santiago Bernabeu. They will look to keep that winning run intact when they take on CSKA Moscow in their next encounter in the Champions League.
Los Blancos faced their only defeat in this Champions League campaign at the hands of the Russian side at the VEB Arena and would look to take revenge by defeating them in the next match at the Bernabeu. Santiago Solari’s men have already qualified for the next round, but they would be desperate to finish at the top of their group with a win over their Russian opponents. This makes the encounter of utmost significance for the European champions.
Team News
Both Mariano Diaz and Tony Kroos are back in training after they picked up minor injuries. Casemiro is also expected to start in the match against CSKA, giving the Madrid midfield a world of stability. However, defender Nacho Fernandez is still out with his knee injury and would not play any part in the next encounter.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois kept back to back clean sheets in the matches against AS Roma and Valencia and would look to do the same once again as he should get the nod ahead of Keylor Navas to start in the goal.
Defence
A fully fit back four of Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Marcelo and Dani Carvajal will start in the next match. While Ramos and Varane would begin in the heart of the defence, Marcelo will put in his shift from the left with Dani Carvajal starting on the right-hand side.
Midfield
Casemiro will start in the defensive midfield position for the Galacticos with Toni Kroos accompanying Luka Modric further upfield to stabilise the midfield for the reigning European champions against CSKA.
Attack
Karim Benzema will lead the line for Real Madrid as he would hope to score early and put the tie to bed as soon as possible. Gareth Bale will accompany him as the wide attacker from the left-hand side, and Lucas Vazquez should start on the right.
Predicted Formation: 4-3-3
