Real Madrid, staring at a potential elimination, will have to step up their game to another level if they want to overcome a one-goal deficit to upset-minded Juventus in the continuation of the UEFA Champions League semifinal on Wednesday at Santiago de Bernabeu.
With their bid to become the first team to win back-to-back European club title since AC Milan in shambles, the Los Blancos will need more than the brilliance of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo to pull off another dramatic comeback. To be exact, Madrid has to give Juventus 90 minutes of suffocating defense if they want to stay alive in the tournament.
"We need to win, that is fundamental. However, above all, we need to have a cool head, be patient and not go crazy," Defensive back Dani Carvajal told reporters via Sky Sports. "The game is 90 minutes long and we need to make that seem like a long time for Juventus and make them suffer without the ball.
The expected return of Karim Benzema from injury will give Real Madrid more firepower to their offense. However, Juventus defrender Giorgio Chiellini believed their desire to break the cycle after over a decade of shortcoming in this particular stage would get them over the hump.
"We can't wait for Wednesday evening to come. This is the most prestigious and important game I'll be playing in since I joined the club," Chiellini said. "I've been here for 10 years and 12 have gone past since we last reached a semi-final.
Predicted Starting Lineup:
Real Madrid (4-3-3) - Casillas, Pepe, Marcelo, Carvajal, Kross, Isco, Rodriguez, Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
Juventus (4-3-1-2) - Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner, Evra, Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio, Vidal, Tevez, Morata
TV Schedule, Live Stream, Gamecast & Scores
Real Madrid vs. Juventus UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg will kick off at 2:45 p.m United States (Eastern Time). The match can be watched on Sky Sports 1 (UK) and Fox Sports (US). Live Stream is available on Sky Go and Fox Sports while international viewers can watch it on Sports Stream. Gamecast, play-by-play update and scores are available on ESPN FC.