Real Madrid vs Tottenham: 5 factors that will decide the outcome
The defending European champions Real Madrid welcome in-form Spurs to the Santiago Bernabeu for a top of the group showdown. With 6 points from 2 games, both teams are off to an explosive start in Europe.
It is not a significant fixture in terms of qualification but both teams have a lot to prove after an indifferent start to their domestic season.
Let's see the 5 talking points as we preview this fixture:
#5 Return of Marcelo & Benzema
Marcelo Is more important to Real Madrid than many think. Marcelo has been vital to Real's success in recent years, with 61 assists since the 2009/10 season. He has formed a lethal bond with Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch and they hunt as a pair. His energetic runs and pinpoint crossing have often resulted in goals. Real Madrid has struggled for inspiration in his absence and his return is not good news for Pochettino.
Benzema has been their solitary striker this season after the sale of Morata to Chelsea. Borja Mayoral played that role in his absence and for a 20-year-old, he did a great job. Real struggled in-front of goal in his absence and Zidane will be more than happy to welcome back his talismanic striker.