UEFA Champions League: Juventus vs Real Madrid, Combined XI
Juventus and Real Madrid are set to go head-to-head in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League this season. And my word, both teams share a bit of history in the recent past.
The two sides were also drawn into the same group in the 2013-14 season where Madrid won their home tie 2-1 and the reverse fixture saw the teams playing out a 2-2 draw.
They faced each other in the semi-finals of the 2014-15 season in which Juventus beat Real Madrid 3-2 on aggregate.
It is also a repeat of last year's final in which Madrid ran out 4-1 winners to claim the prize.
This year, both teams had to fight really hard for their place in the semi-finals. Both of them finished second in their respective groups and were also drawn against difficult opponents in the round-of-16.
Juventus came up against Tottenham whom they beat 4-3 on aggregate, despite being 2-3 down at one stage in the game. Real Madrid proved to be too strong for Paris Saint-Germain, who were beaten 5-2 on aggregate.
The tie is finely poised as Juventus are in the running for a treble this campaign and Madrid's only shot at silverware this season is the Champions League title, which they attempt to win for an unprecedented third time in a row.
So, ahead of the tie, we have come up with a combined XI, comprising of players from both teams. Have a look.
FORMATION: 4-3-1-2
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Buffon gets the nod ahead of Keylor Navas even though the latter has been vital to Madrid's successive Champions League victories.
It's quite a feat that the legendary keeper still continues to perform at the highest level. The 40-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down as he attempts to inspire the team in a bid to win his maiden Champions League trophy.
Buffon has made over a 1000 appearances for club and country and has been in fine form this season as well. He has kept 14 clean sheets in 26 games for Juventus in all competitions.
There is every chance that this may well be the final time we see Buffon leading his team out in the Champions League as there have been a lot of speculation over his rumoured retirement at the end of the season.