Real Madrid have opted to make as close to a like for like change for Cristiano Ronaldo as possible instead of a system adjustment, bringing in Esteban Granero. Real Madrid are also without Karim Benzema is unavailable and Gonzalo Higuain is not 90 minutes fit, so Emmanuel Adebayor starts up top. Kaka and Xabi Alonso are out as well, so Real’s bench is looking a bit thin.
Real Madrid Vs. Sporting Gijon: Lineups
Sporting Gijon, like Real Madrid, are playing a 4-2-3-1 system, so they will hope to cancel out what Madrid attempt to do. Their key player could be their trequarista, Andre Castro, who joined the team on loan from FC Porto in January.
Real Madrid lineup (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Arbeloa, Albiol, Carvalho, Ramos; Diarra, Khedira; Granero, Özil, Di Maria; Adebayor
Sporting Gijon lineup (4-2-3-1): Colinas; Botia, Soto, Canella, Ramos; Cases, Rivera; de las Cuevas, Castro, Novo; Barral
The game can be seen in the United States on ESPN3. Also, just as a nice little tidbit, Brazilian striker Ronaldo, a Real Madrid legend, was honored pre-match.
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