Basel head into the fifth Champions League matchday on course to advance into the knockout phase of the tournament, though two tough fixtures against Real Madrid and Liverpool mean they can’t rest on their three-point advantage over the latter. They’d do their chances of progressing a world of good by pulling off an upset against the Madrilenians on Wednesday -- even if that means just picking up a point.
FC Basel vs. Real Madrid, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Time, TV schedule and game preview
Basel will be hoping to cause an upset and put an end to Real Madrid’s perfect Champions League record on Wednesday.
However, even with home advantage the odds are stacked against the Swiss side. They were beaten 5-1 in the reverse fixture, with Carlo Ancelotti’s reigning European Cup champions having racked up four straight victories in the group stages so far. Heading into this match, it’s hard to see them failing to continue their hot streak against Paulo Sousa’s outfit.
Key player - Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has been in some quite ridiculous form so far this season, netting 20 times in his first 11 appearances in the league. Add to that three further Champions League goals, and he’s starting look superhuman. He’s still looking every bit like the greatest player on the planet, and keeping him quiet will be a nigh-on impossible task for Basel.
Key matchup - The wide battle
Heading into this match, it's possible that Basel manager Paulo Sousa will elect to field his side in a 3-4-3 formation. That would be a big risk, as it would mean leaving a wing-back -- with a heavier attacking burden than a full-back in a standard back four -- up against two of the finest wingers in the world. If Ronaldo and Gareth Bale find the space they need to do damage, we could be on for a repeat of the 5-1 we saw in the first leg.
Basel injuries and suspensions
Out: Ivan Ivanov (knee), Serey Die (suspended). In doubt: Marco Streller (slipped disc), Taulant Xhaka (thigh).
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Luka Modrić (thigh), Jesé (knee). In doubt: None.
Basel will be without the long-term injured Ivan Ivanov, while midfielder Serey Die is out suspended. Talismanic striker Marco Streller could miss out again with a back injury, while young midfielder Taulant Xhaka will be hoping to recover from a thigh injury in time to play. Real Madrid will be without midfielder Luka Modrić, and young striker Jesé.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland
TV: Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Sports regional networks, MASN (U.S. - English), Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet One (Canada), Sky Sports 3/HD (U.K.), TeleClub Sport Live, RTS Sport, RTS Deux, TeleClub Sport, SRF zwei, RSI La 2 (Switzerland), C+ Liga de Campeones 2 / HD (Spain)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K)
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