Malmo FF
v
Real Madrid C. F.
Swedbank Stadion, Sweden
30th September, 2015; 18:45 GMT
***
Real Madrid travel to Swedish side Malmo for the second round of fixtures in the Champions League group stage hoping to put the disappointment of the 0-0 draw at the weekend behind them and pick up from where they left off in the Champions League, having beaten Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0 in their opening game.
Malmo on the other hand lost their opening Champions League clash against PSG and will hope to avoid denting their goal-difference with Real Madrid coming into the game as heavy favourites.
Team News & Tactics
Malmo FF
Age Haroeide’s side are up against it as they ready to face-off 10-times European Champions Real Madrid, in what will be a night to remember for the club from Sweden.
The Sky Blues are sweating over the fitness of Rasmus Bengtsson, with the defender a doubt with an ankle injury.
Malmo are expected to play in a 3-5-2 formation with Rosenberg and Durdic leading the line for the Swedish champions.
John Wiland will retain his position in between the sticks, while Pa Konate will probably fill in for the injured Bengtsson. Konate will be partnered by Kari Arnason and Felipe Carvalho in the three man defence.
Anton Tinnerholm would likely start as a right wing-back, while Yoshimar Yotun could be seen filling in at left wing-back. Enoch Kofi Adu is expected to form the double pivot with Oscar Lewicki as Jo Inge Berget starts just behind the two strikers.
Malmo Predicted XI: Wiland, Arnason, Konate, Carvalho, Tinnerholm, Adu, Lewicki, Yotun, Berget, Rosenberg, Duric
Real Madrid
Rafael Benitez’s men have conceded just once in 7 games this season, however, two of them have been 0-0 draws and two games have been won by a goal’s margin. Real Madrid drew 0-0 at home against Malaga at the weekend and manager Rafa Benitez is under pressure to not only win, but, win in style as Real Madrid faithfuls demand.
And Real Madrid will have to do it without the services of superstars Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Sergio Ramos and Pepe, who are all out of the tie.
Madrid are expected to play a 4-2-3-1 with Navas in goal and Nacho, Varane, Carvajal and Marcelo forming the back four. Midfield duo of Toni Kroos and Luca Modric are expected to make the play and shield the back 4, while Isco, Vasquez, Ronaldo and Benzema attack from wide and central areas.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Navas, Nacho, Varane, Carvajal, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Isco, Vasquez, Ronaldo, Benzema
Man to watch:
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is just a goal shy of his 500th career goal and just two behind Real Madrid legend Raul’s all time scoring record for the club. The Portuguese superstar would be hoping to reach both of the milestones in tonight’s clash, having failed to find the back of the net since the Shakhtar tie.
Match Facts:
- This is the first ever competitive game between Malm and Real Madrid.
- Malm have lost six of their seven Champions League games. The only win was against Olympiakos in last seasona s group stages (2-0).
- All three of Malm a s Champions League home games have ended 2-0 (once in their favour, twice for the opponent).
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Prediction:
Malmo 0-5 Real Madrid
Expect Real Madrid to be fired up after failing to take all three points at home at the weekend. Rafael Benitez’s side might be depleted, but, still come in the game as heavy favorites and are expected to win in style. Real Madrid have enough squad depth to overcome the injury crisis.
