Real Madrid vs Juventus
Champions League Quarterfinal Second Leg
Date: 11th April 2018, Wednesday
Kick-off at 19:45 UK/ 20:45 CET
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid).
Madrid carry a commanding 3-0 for the second leg quarterfinal fixture against Juventus. They are expected to progress to the semifinals from here, but suspension to Sergio Ramos leave them in a tight spot.
We expected a tight contest when these two met at Turin a week ago. But, two well-takes goals from Ronaldo and a third from Marcelo, put them at the verge of eight consecutive semifinal appearance.
Juventus were on a 25 match unbeaten run before the defeat to Real Madrid. The loss also ended their 5 yearlong unbeaten record at Turin in Champions League.
The Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is the fortress of Real Madrid and not many teams tasted victories at this beautiful venue. Yet, they are a man short on Wednesday mainly due to the absence of Sergio Ramos, who is suspended for this tie for accumulation of yellow cards. There are more troubles as the backup options Nacho and Jesus Vallejo are both unfit. This could give Juve a glimmer of hope.
Real Madrid vs Juventus: Head-to-head
- Overall 20 matches, Real Madrid with 10 wins, Juve 8 and 2 draws.
- Five of their last 6 h2h meetings saw 3 or more goals.
- Both teams scored in 5 games before the first leg last Tuesday.
- At home, Real won 4 of the last 6 meetings with Juve, drew 1 and lost 1.
Real Madrid vs Juventus: Predictions
This could have be an easy win for Madrid on another day, considering they are under no pressure following the massive 3-0 win in Turin. However, on Wednesday, they are without a genuine center back and this could help Juve a bit.
However, I don’t see the visitors doing great damage here, mainly because of the excellent scoring form of Cristiano Ronaldo and his scoring rate against Gianluigi Buffon.
From a punters point of view, I see this match producing high number of goals and the teams could settle for something like 2-2 draw.
Real Madrid vs Juventus: Bet Tips
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Real Madrid vs Juventus: Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Real Madrid
Sergio Ramos is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, while back-up options Nacho and Vallejo are sidelined as well. This may force Zidane to ask Casemiro to fill-in the void, which inturn brings Kovacic to run extra miles in the center midfield.
Gareth Bale is expected to start from the bench, while Benzema and Isco returns to the starting eleven after playing few minutes on the weekend.
Predicted Line-up (4-3-1-2)
Navas – Marcelo, Varane, Casemiro, Carvajal – Kovacic, Modric, Kroos – Isco – Benzema, Ronaldo.
Juventus:
Paulo Dybala is suspended following his red card in the first leg of the contest. Rodrigo Bentancur will also miss out due to accumulation of yellow cards.
Meantime, Miralem Pjanic and Medhi Benatia returns to the starting line-up after serving their suspension in the first leg at Turin.
Juventus: Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)
Buffon – Sandro, Chiellini, Benatia, Sciglio, Matuidi, Khedira, Pjanic – Costa, Higuain, Mandzukic.
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