Real Madrid are not having the best of times in their recent outings. Back to back defeats against arch-rivals Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey semi-final and then in the La Liga have shattered their dreams of winning a major trophy in the domestic fronts. However, the reigning champions will surely look to maintaining their dominance on the European stage when they take on Ajax in their next encounter in the Champions League.
The Galacticos have a one-goal advantage going into the second leg of the round of 16 clash against the Eredivisie outfit and will look to capitalise on that in their own backyard. Though Santiago Bernabeu has not proved to be a lucky hunting ground for Santiago Solari’s men this season, they would be desperate to make the most of the home ground advantage and reach the next round at the expense of Ajax.
Team News
It comes as good news for Solari that he doesn’t have to worry about injury concerns to any of his key players ahead of the critical matchup against Ajax. Midfielder Marcos Llorente is recovering from his injury problem and would be assessed ahead of the next match.
However, a significant setback is to be faced by the defensive department as Sergio Ramos is not available for this clash owing to the ban slapped on him by UEFA for picking up an “intentional” booking in the first leg of the matchup against Ajax. Solari certainly will face a headache in replacing the influential defender and Real Madrid skipper.
Goalkeeper
It has been a disastrous time for both Keylor Navas and Thibaut Courtois in the last few days as both had to finish on the losing side against the La Liga and Copa Del Rey champions Barcelona. However, Solari is expected to give more preference to the Belgian to start against Ajax for the round of 16 matchup.
Defence
The Real Madrid backline suffered some very embarrassing moments against their arch-rivals Barcelona in the last two outings and will be looking to make amends for their mistakes in the next match. Sergio Ramos has been handed a ban, so he is set to miss the encounter and is expected to be replaced by Nacho Fernandez. He would pair up with Raphael Varane.
Marcelo, who was left out of the squad in the last two matches against Barcelona with Sergio Reguilon replacing him in the starting lineup, is expected to make it back into the team against Ajax. Alvaro Odriozola would start in the right back position ahead of compatriot Dani Carvajal.
Midfield
Toni Kroos is expected to be replaced by Dani Ceballos in the middle of the pitch after his lacklustre performance in both the matches against Barcelona. Ceballos would start alongside Luka Modric.
Playing right behind the duo would be the Brazilian defensive midfielder Casemiro.
Attack
After Gareth Bale failed to capitalise on the chance provided by Solari in the last game, Lucas Vazquez is set to get the nod for the next fixture. He would start as the wide attacker from the right. Vinicius Junior has been in the form of his life in recent outings and would start from the left side.
Karim Benzema would lead the line for the Galacticos in the next match.
Predicted Formation: 4-3-3
