Real Madrid vs Dortmund confirmed line-ups: James Rodriguez starts in crunch clash in Spanish capital

Posted by

Top spot in Group F is up for grabs as Real Madrid host Borussia Dortmund at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night hoping to leapfrog their rivals.

Zinedine Zidane’s side go into the showdown two points adrift of the German outfit, and so they know that a win would see them finish as group winners and potentially set up an ‘easier’ round of 16 tie.

Both sides are still unbeaten and are well clear of their group rivals Sporting Lisbon and Legia Warsaw, and so it all comes down to 90 minutes in the Spanish capital to determine who will finish top of the pile.

Given his inability to stamp his mark on the team this season and secure regular first-team football, James Rodriguez’s inclusion in the starting line-up is the biggest surprise for the hosts.

Nevertheless, the Colombian international will be hoping to take his chance and prove his worth to Zidane as he will be expected to deliver in such a big game.

Elsewhere, usual suspects such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric start for the hosts, who will have to find a way of dealing with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who starts up front for Dortmund.

The Gabon international has 18 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions so far this season, and with the likes of Andre Suchurrle, Christian Pulisic and Ousmane Dembele offering him support, they will fancy their chances of causing Zidane’s side problems.

More Stories James Rodriguez Thomas Tuchel Zinedine Zidane