It will be a cracker of a game when Real Madrid host Group F leaders Borussia Dortmund tonight. The fact that only a win would guarantee top spot for Real makes the game even more contesting. Dortmund, on the other hand, could draw and stay group leaders.
The competitive match will be having some world class players taking the centre stage. Here is the combined lineup.
Manager- Thomas Tuchel
Real boss Zidane has seen more success in his domestic league with Real currently sitting top of the table with a lead of six points, but Tuchel has been spot on in their Champions League campaign. With injuries to crucial players, Dortmund had to change the setup quite often and he has been immensely successful in playing youngsters like Julian Weigl and Christian Pulisic to their utmost potential.
Goalkeeper- Keylor Navas
The Costa Rican has been a steady figure for Real under the bar. Although he has conceded 7 goals in 4 Champions League matches, he has an average of 2.67 saves per goal and his average claim success rate is 98%.
Left Back-Marcelo
He is undoubtedly the best left-wing back in the Champions League. His offensive and defensive contributions and the ability to keep the balance reading the game perfectly are unparalleled. He has appeared 3 times in UCL and has 1 assist to his name.
Ramos- Centre Back
The defensive leader is one of the firm favourites to score on any big European night. It was he who levelled the game for Real against Barcelona at the last minute. Real struggled tremendously in his absence and look a much flamboyant side with him guarding the back. He too has an assist in 3 UCL appearances.
Marc Bartra- Centre Back
He has been a solid rock for Dortmund this season since arriving from Barcelona. With Hummels and Subotic among the huge misses from the Dortmund squad, the Spanish centre-back has owned the centre-back position. He even has a goal in his 4 UCL appearances.
Right-Back- Carvajal
Carvajal has been a preferred right-back for Madrid since the last two seasons now as his physically dominating style of play really keep things tight on the right defensive flank. He gets booked often for his style of play but gets the job done for his team and is quite indispensable. Was a tough one considering Piszczek has been good as well.
Luka Modric- Central Midfielder
It is quite indescribable how important a player he is a for Real. He was perhaps the best player on the pitch for Real in their high-octane clash with Barcelona. Pulling strings from deep midfield for the star-studded Real Madrid, he is the engine of the team.
Julian Weigl- Central Midfielder
The 21-year-old midfielder has been a revelation for Dortmund so far. He plays with a more defensive mindset from the middle of the park and his concentration on the game is tremendous. He has come to the spotlight with a series of sparkling displays in the UCL this season. He even has a goal in 4 matches. Madrid will have to watch out for his defence splitting passes and his distribution on the break.
Ronaldo- Left Wing
Although he has been a bit off-form lately, we all know what he is capable of. He has 2 goals and 4 assists in 5 UCL appearances so far. The figures speak for itself.
Dembele- Right Wing
Another such revelation for Dortmund this season, Dembele is quite unstoppable at the moment. At just 19, he has shown glimpses of world class brilliance in his game and he is pretty consistent at it. He has 1 goal and 5 assists in 5 UCL outings.
Reus- Central Attacking Midfielder
He was out with injury for the most part of the beginning of the season. He, however, returned in Dortmund’s previous UCL game and scored a hat-trick. Dortmund fans sure know what he is capable of and it is great to have him in such a blistering form ahead of the match. Had a hat-trick of assists in the last league game as well.
Aubameyang- Striker
Currently one of the hottest prospects up front across Europe, the Gabon international has been in prolific form so far. He has 3 goals in 4 UCL games and will be one of the firm favourites to bag a goal on Wednesday night.
