Real Madrid are likely to field the same starting XI who eventually saw off Barcelona when they take on Wolfsburg in the last eight of the Champions League on Wednesday.
Though sent off against the Catalans, Sergio Ramos will be at the centre of defence for Zinedine Zidane’s side, while Dani Carvajal remains undisputed first choice at right-back after recovering from his latest injury. They will help to protect goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who has yet to concede a goal in Europe this season.
Casemiro will again be the pivot for Madrid’s midfield, his two partners in crime sure to be Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, leaving James Rodriguez and Isco still waiting for their returns to action.
Up front, there is no doubt. After playing a key role in beating Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo will be accompanied by Karim Benzema, who is breaking goalscoring records this year, and Gareth Bale. It makes for a formidable team sheet.
Wolfsburg were dealt a serious setback in their quest to guarantee European football next season when Bayer Leverkusen beat them 3-0 last time out, continuing a run of listless, tired and uninspired performances.
However, a first appearance in the Champions League’s last eight has Dieter Hecking’s side talking up their chances of an underdog win.
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