Real Madrid travel to Germany for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 match…
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side will travel to Gelsenkirchen in Germany as they face Schalke 04 in their Champions League last 16 first leg tie, and will be looking to take an early advantage to bring back to the Bernabeu. Los Blancos recently suffered the ignominy of losing 4-0 to bitter city rivals Atletico Madrid and will want to put a marker down following that embarrassment.
SEE MORE:
(Video) PSG’s Verratti & Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas Go Head-to-head Before Champions League Clash
Live FA Cup Quarter Final Draw Streaming As Arsenal & Liverpool Learn Their Fates
Louis Van Gaal Reveals Intent To Sign Creative Midfielder For Manchester United
Iker Casillas
Casillas has been a shoe-in for Real Madrid so far this season, despite a few below par performances, and will likely play again against Schalke. Usually a safe pair of hands, the Spain international goalkeeper has been more error prone recently which could soon spell an end to a 25 year association with the club.
Dani Carvajal
Carvajal is likely to be given a recall at right back as Real Madrid’s injury crisis worsened at the weekend, with Marcelo going off injured following a rough tackle against Deportivo. Carvajal has 18 appearances this season already and can be relied upon to put in a solid performance.
Pepe
The Portuguese man mountain is likely to be recalled at centre back with Sergio Ramos injured for Los Blancos. Pepe has been out for around a month but will see this match as an opportunity to get back in the side and back in form.
Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane was given his chance when Pepe went out of the side with injury and has done reasonably well, apart from the 4-0 drubbing at Atletico Madrid. The 21-year-old Frenchman has impressed since joining Real Madrid and will want to show Carlo Ancelotti what he can do, challenging for a more permanent place in the side, having only started 17 games so far.
Alvaro Arbeloa
The former Liverpool man is likely to be forced into playing left back for his side with Marcelo’s likely absence through injury. The defender has featured sparingly so far this season, only starting 11 games, so he could struggle to adapt to being a more regular first teamer.
Isco
Scored at the weekend in his side’s 2-0 win at home to Deportivo and has reacted well to being catapulted into the first team, having spent so long on the fringes. A reliable attacking midfielder who Real can rely on to create chances, with seven assists so far this season, and score a few as well.
Toni Kroos
Moved to the Bernabeu following a brilliant World Cup performance with Germany, winning the trophy as well. One of Real Madrid’s few midfield stars who isn’t injured, a first team regular who will surely start.
Asier Illarramendi
The 24-year-old holding midfielder had been linked with a move away from Los Blancos, having to make do with mainly substitute appearances, 15 this season. The player is talented no doubt, but is likely to start only due to Modric and Khedira’s injuries.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Easily the first name on the team sheet for Carlo Ancelotti. Rated in the top two players in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo has come in for some criticism from some corners of the Real Madrid but with 34 goals in 26 games there is no doubt that they are a much better side with him in the team.
Karim Benzema
The Frenchman has been consistent season after season for his side. He is at his best deployed as a central striker, having scored 18 this season, and will be a constant thorn in Schalke’s side.
Gareth Bale
Bale has been jeered by some Real Madrid fans after his performances had perceived to be below par, though he has scored 14 goals and doesn’t seem to be doing any better or worse than this time last season. A great player to have and should start in Gelsenkirchen.
