While it feels to the spectators that they have a foot in the semifinals, Real Madrid can not afford to think so on Wednesday night.
Los Blancos chopped out a solid 3-1 victory in Madrid last week to put all the pressure on Liverpool who went into the second stage of the quarter-finals, which made the most of the home advantage by taking advantage of a seriously poor performance from the Reds.
✈️? Next stop: Liverpool! #UCL | #BOSSsports | @HUGOBOSS pic.twitter.com/8efc3pNtMz
– Real Madrid CF ???? (@realmadriden) April 13, 2021
Real have now won their last five games in a row and gathered this weekend with a Clasico victory that keeps them just one point from the top of La Liga. However, they can not take their foot off the gas now, and an injury that hits an injury must review it on Wednesday.
This is how they can start.
A great evening for Odriozola | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Thibaut Courtois (GK) – Despite the fact that the defensive line in front of him changes regularly, Courtois remains as reliable as ever in the Real goal.
Alvaro Odriozola (RB) – No Dani Carvajal and now no Lucas Vazquez means that the 25-year-old Odriozola must take the step up to an important point during the season for his side. He’s looking for a busy night too.
Nacho Fernandez (CB) – The Spaniard has increased massively in the absence of Real’s regular two central defenders and has proven how reliable he can be in the big moments.
Eder Militao (CB) – In the same way, Militao has impressed when he got his chances, even though he saw fit to leave the club just a few months ago.
Ferland Mendy (LB) – Had Trent Alexander-Arnold’s number almost every time he attacked in the first stage, but may need to be a touch more defensive about his work this time.
⚪️ Toni Kroos passes masterclass against Liverpool? @ToniKroos | @realmadriden | #UCL pic.twitter.com/Ibgr0tSSse
– UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 12, 2021
Casemiro (DM) – The engine at the base of an incredible midfield in Real Madrid, there is very little Casemiro who can not do.Toni Kroos (CM) – Put on an absolutely passing clinic in the first stage because Liverpool did not manage to get close to him. Kroos is still without a doubt the best midfielder in the world.
Luka Modric (CM) – By completing the midfield to create a trio that you would see in your dreams, a 35-year-old Luka Modric continues to be a key cog in the top-level machine.
Starboy. | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Marco Asensio (RW) – Set an important goal to kill Liverpool last week and has rediscovered his form this season. Asensio begins.
Karim Benzema (ST) – Karim the dream. Probably the most underrated forward move in the last decade, Benzema is the key if Real want to push on to the final phase of the competition.
Vinicius Junior (LW) – A nice stay last week from Vinicius is what puts Real in such a strong position for Wednesday. When he finds his dot, the Brazilian is frighteningly good. It just needs to be a little more often.
