Real Madrid vs Juventus: Predicted Los Blancos XI, as Gareth Bale looks to silence critics

Real Madrid lost the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final tie with Juventus 2-1, but with the second-leg to come at the Santiago Bernabeu, the tie is far from finished.

Karim Benzema looks poised to make his comeback on Wednesday night in a more familiar starting XI for coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Here’s how we think Los Blancos will line up…

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GK – Iker Casillas

The stopper was on the receiving end of whistles from the home crowd for his performance in the 2-2 La Liga draw with Valencia. Carlo Ancelotti, however, is set to stick with the under-fire Spaniard on Wednesday night having started throughout their Champions League campaign.

RB – Dani Carvajal

The right-back gave away the penalty that led to Carlos Tevez’s winner in Turin, and is fortunate to be playing in the second-leg. A more disciplined performance will be needed.

RCB – Sergio Ramos

Gareth Bale’s heavy criticism after the first-leg seemed to overshadow the dismal performance of Ramos. His passing in midfield was woeful. Fans will be hoping that Kroos is able to play – allowing the Spaniard to move back into defence.

LCB – Pepe

Raphael Varane looked out of his depth in the first-leg, and Carlo Ancelotti may prefer to choose the experienced Portuguese centre-back to take his place.

LB – Marcelo

As is typical of the Brazilian’s performances, he surged forward at every chance in Turin. However, he will need to concentrate on his defending at the Bernabeu, too.

RM – James Rodriguez

The Colombian was a threat in the first-leg, and Juve know they have their hands full with the clever forward.

CM – Toni Kroos

The German limped off in the draw with Valencia at the weekend, but the midfielder should recover in time to play on Wednesday night. He has settled into central midfield in his first season in Madrid. Will look to dictate the play at the Santiago Bernabeu.

LM – Isco

Perhaps the most creative player in the Real team. The Spaniard scored a stunning equaliser against Valencia at the weekend, and despite his goal not being enough in their fight for the La Liga title, he is high on confidence.

RW – Gareth Bale

Widely criticised for his performance in Turin – but he wasn’t the only Real player to have a poor game. The Welsh wizard, nonetheless, will be out to silence his doubters – and he certainly has the ability to do so.

FW – Karim Benzema

The Frenchman is set to be handed a start following a month on the sidelines through injury. The Los Blancos attack looked to be missing a spark in the first-leg, and Benzema’s return should be welcomed.

LW – Cristiano Ronaldo

Not at his best in Turin, but even so, the Portuguese forward netted the crucial away goal. Expect his name on the scoresheet again on Wednesday night.