Real Madrid welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Santiago Bernabeu in what will be a must-win match for them if the Los Blancos want to finish 1st in the group. They are on the back of a morale-boosting draw against Barcelona where their captain Sergio Ramos scored a last minute header to send the travelling fans into raptures. Los Blancos haven’t had it easy this year and they have had to work extremely hard to be in a position from where they have a chance of qualifying as the 1st placed team.
While Zidane and his men need a win, Borussia Dortmund will see themselves remain top with even a draw. This might lead to Real employing a more expressive and open approach.
With the match carrying so much importance it is likely that the teams will be going all out with their plans. Let us take a look at the key battles which have the potential to decide the game for them.
JULIAN WEIGL VS LUKA MODRIC
The Real Madrid schemer has been in excellent form this season although the sheer number of games has been trying on him on occasions. Untimely injuries to Kroos and Casemiro has increased the pressure on him and he has had to play games where a rest would have best suited for him.
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But he will once again have to provide the attacking impetus from the midfield against a sprightly Dortmund side who will press hard and try to reduce the time the Real players can have on the ball. Julian Weigl is well rested and will have the duty of nullifying the Croatian. It makes for an interesting watch at the centre of the park.
AUBAMEYANG VS SERGIO RAMOS
The Dortmund striker has been linked on and off with Real Madrid for the most part of last year and will look to perform at his best when the two sides meet tomorrow. An early goal will be important for Borussia Dortmund as it will allow them to settle and play the match on their own terms.
Aubameyang will be expected to provide that. He will be up against Ramos and the Madrid captain is high on confidence after a typical big match saving header. The battle will be interesting to watch between two potential future teammates.
CRISTIANO RONALDO VS MARC BARTRA
Marc Bartra will be playing in central defence and is likely to cross paths with Ronaldo on multiple occasions. The Real Madrid top scorer has had an inconsistent season but has scored in bulk whenever he has scored.
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After a quiet week or so, he will be pumped up for a run at the Dortmund defence and look to score an important goal to help in the win which will give them the top spot. Bartra will not have fond memories of facing Real but he has to be strong and assertive in defence.
