Carlo Ancelotti is facing a selection headache ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League second-leg quarter-final against Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid.
Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric have been ruled out of the clash through injury, while Marcelo is suspended, and as a result, the Italian is set to name a much changed side from the team that took to the pitch at the Estadio Vicente Calderon last Tuesday night.
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Here’s how we think Real will line up, with Manchester United loanee Javier Hernandez starting up front alongside Cristiano Ronaldo…
GK – Iker Casillas
The Real stopper is under pressure to perform at the Santiago Bernabeu with his future uncertain. There’s no better time to put in an inspired performance than against rivals Atletico.
RB – Daniel Carvajal
The Spaniard was involved in a fiery spat with Mario Mandzukic in the first-leg, in which he was accused of a punch and a bite on the striker, and will need his temper to be in control on Wednesday night.
RCB – Raphael Varane
The centre-back put in a solid display alongside Sergio Ramos in the goalless draw on Tuesday night, but will have to cope with even more pressure the second time around.
LCB – Sergio Ramos
Typical of the Spain international, he frustrated Diego Simeone’s side with his intelligent reading of the game. Nonetheless, the defender was involved in his fair share of off the ball incidents, and will need to avoid this in what is expected to be an even more ill-tempered second-leg.
LB – Fabio Coentrao
His playing opportunities have been limited this term, as boss Carlo Ancelotti hasn’t been persuaded to drop Marcelo in favour of the Portuguese. However, the right back will be desperate to take advantage of the Brazilian’s suspension, and will be an attacking threat for Atletico to contend with.
RM – Isco
Tipped as the player to star in the absence of midfield ace Luka Modric – who has been ruled out for six weeks according to the Guardian – having excelled in the past when the Croatian has been missing.
RCM – Asier Illarramendi
The midfielder’s opportunities have been limited this season, but he is desperate to remain with the Spanish giants, and like Isco, will be eager to step into the hole left by Modric.
LCM – Toni Kroos
The German keeps possession of the ball excellently, and will be key in keeping the Real midfield secure, as well as looking to threaten stopper Jan Oblak.
LM – James Rodriguez
The Colombian is in fine goalscoring form, and was unlucky not the get on the scoresheet in the first-leg with Oblak in formidable form at the Vicente Calderon.
FW – Javier Hernandez
Chicharito surely won’t have been expecting such an opportunity in the European competition, but the stage is set for the striker to put in an inspired performance.
FW – Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portugal superstar didn’t have his most effective night in the first-leg, but was typically a huge threat going forward. More will be expected from Ronaldo in front of the home supporters.
