Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: Match Preview
5-0 was the scoreline by which Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund during their last encounter. Dortmund would look to put things straight as they look to grab all three points in the Group D encounter in the Champions League. The weekends action saw an injury-hit Real Madrid notch a 2-0 victory against Celta Vigo and Dortmund losing 2-1 against Schalke. This is arguably one the most eagerly waited matches in the group stage of the Champions League this season. Real Madrid lead the group of death, with wins over Manchester City and Ajax while Dortmund are second with four points. Cristiano Ronaldo is the leading goal scorer in the competition with 4 goals in 2 games.
Injury concerns
Both the teams are filled with long list of injured players after the midweek international break. Real would be without their left back Marcelo who has been diagnosed with a fractured foot. They will also be without defenders Alavaro Arbeloa and Fabio Coentrao. Mourinho has the option of filling this void by playing Sergio Ramos as the right back and youngster Raphael Varane similar to the way he played them in the game against Celta. Micheal Essien, who was deployed as the left back in the game has also stated that he would be ready to play in any position.
“I’m happy to play anywhere Mourinho wants me to,” Essien told AS on Monday.
Real could avail the services of the Frenchman Lassana Diarra who has seen very less game time after moving to Madrid. They will also be boosted by the return of Sami Khedira who missed the weekends action due to a leg injury.
Dortmund on the other hand will be without skipper Jakub Blaszczykowski who will be out of action for two months due to an ankle injury. Playmaker, Mario Gotze who ran riot in the game against Manchester City at the Etihad is expected to feature in this clash against the Spanish giants. Marcel Schmelzer and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan may also be involved in this epic tie. Coach Jurgen Klopp did mention that his side put on a bad show against Schalke but they will be at their best in the clash against Madrid.
Facts
Cristiano Ronaldo will be the main man for Madrid and Robert Lewandowski will be trying to be on target against the Los Blancos. The Polish international has netted only once in the Champions league this season while German youngster Marco Reus who is the leading goal scorer for Dortmund with six goals in all competitions will try to build on his fabulous start of the season.
Dortmund are having a dry run of sorts with just one win and two losses in last six games in all competitions. They would also try to defeat Real Madrid for the first time in five games. The battle between Ronaldo and Hummels would be the one to watch out for. With quality players in both sides, this would be the pick of the games in this Champions League midweek.
Probables:
Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer, Kehl, Gundogan, Bender, Reus, Gotze, Lewandowski
Real Madrid: Casillas, Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Essien, Alonso, Kaka, Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo, Benzema
