Tuesday, 26 September 2017

Big Match Preview - UEFA Champions League 2017/18: Borussia Dortmund Vs. Real Madrid

Gameweek 2

Group H

The biggest clash on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League comes from Group H at the BVB Stadion as Borussia Dortmund host the defending Champions Real Madrid, promising to be a mouthwatering clash.

Both teams are going to face each other for the fifth time in the last six UCL seasons. Real were victorious in their last CL tie against APOEL while Dortmund were second best in their encounter against Tottenham.

There are some signs of luck for Dortmund who have never lost at home to Madrid with a record of 3 Wins and 3 Draws. However, they will be without Raphael Guerreiro, Marcel Schmelzer, Sebastian Rode, Erik Durm & Marco Reus all long-term absentees. So, without a first choice left back, this position can be exploited to Real's advantage.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Dortmund striker will be poised to start against a club he's supported as a child and dreamed of playing for one day. Another exciting inclusion could be Maximilian Philipp who has begun his league campaign in sublime form could also be handed a start.

The defending champions Real Madrid will want to continue their free scoring run of finding the net in their last 37 consecutive CL games. Hit-man Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to make his 150th European appearance in his career after scoring a brace last time out.


Real have major injury concerns as Karim Benzema, Marcelo, Mateo Kovacic are all out due to injury. Toni Kroos & Theo Hernandez are both doubtful. So, Real do not have a natural No.9 nor Left back to begin the game.

This could give an opportunity for Marco Asensio to make his first CL start and Nacho could operate as the makeshift Left back. Isco might begin as the No.10 behind Asensio with Gareth Bale and Ronaldo providing width from the wings.

Line-Ups


Prediction:
Borussia Dortmund (2-3) Real Madrid

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