The Real Madrid lineup that should start against Chelsea
By Tom Gott
Despite what UEFA might want, Real Madrid remain in the Champions League and will take to the field on Tuesday in the hope of getting ahead in their semi-final against Chelsea.
Zinedine Zidane's men come into this one in mixed form. They're unbeaten in their last 16 games, but three of their last four matches have ended in goalless draws. It's obviously not bad, but Real need to step up if they are to emerge victorious against a Chelsea side who have been incredibly tough to beat under Thomas Tuchel.
Here's how the boss should line up.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - He didn't leave Chelsea on the best terms, but Courtois will be raring to go against his former side.
Dani Carvajal (RB) - Carvajal has come back at the perfect time. With Lucas Vazquez and Fede Valverde both injured, Carvajal can slot back into the team.
Raphael Varane (CB) - Varane played his first 90 minutes since recovering from COVID-19 last time out against Betis and he should now be ready for more action.
Eder Militao (CB) - Sergio Ramos is aiming to be back in time for the second leg, but in the meantime, Militao will continue to start at centre-back.
Nacho Fernandez (LB) - Zidane is the king of not trusting backup full-backs. He hates Alvaro Odriozola on the right and he has understandably lost faith in Marcelo, so expect Nacho to deputise for the injured Ferland Mendy.
2. Midfielders
Casemiro (DM) - One of the first names on the team sheet, nobody else in Real's squad can do what Casemiro does. He's be vital in stifling space to Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.
Luka Modric (CM) - Still dictating games at the age of 35, Modric will be needed to keep Chelsea away from the ball and force them to defend instead.
Toni Kroos (CM) - Having missed three games with load management, Kroos is ready to return to the lineup for this one, giving Zidane his perfect midfield trifecta again.
3. Forward
Marco Asensio (RW) - It's too early to bring Eden Hazard back into the starting lineup, but unfortunately for Zidane, that means turning to a backup. Asensio is probably the biggest fish in that small pond.
Karim Benzema (ST) - Benzema's red-hot streak in front of goal has ended, but he's still more than dangerous enough to cause Chelsea problems. Real will need his genius to find a way through the Blues' backline.
Vinicius Junior (LW) - Quietly becoming one of Real's most important players, Vinicius is slowly learning how to keep his composure and add goals to his game. He's on track to take over the world.