Real Madrid should have no problems starting their Champions League defence with a win at home to Swiss champions Basel on Tuesday. Carlo Ancelotti's side may be woefully unbalanced in midfield and head into this game on the back of a bitter defeat to cross-town rivals Atlético, but the sheer strength of their attacking options means their lack of any kind of defensive shield shouldn't be a problem. It isn't a case of if they'll win; it's a case of by how much.
Real Madrid vs. FC Basel, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Real Madrid start their Champions League title defence at home to Basel on Tuesday.
Clive Mason
More from our team sites
More from our team sites
Key player - Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Cristiano Ronaldo has uncharacteristically struggled with a few niggling injuries over the last few months, and, as such, he’s failed to reach his normal, other-worldly standards on the pitch. However, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that his star attacker is “in optimal physical condition,” having completely recovered from his recent knee issues. If he finally manages to find his best form against Basel, things could get messy.
Key matchup - Real Madrid's left vs. Basel's right
Worryingly for Basel, Ronaldo is invariably stationed out on the left flank -- the same one they use to construct most of their attacks. The Swiss side rely on the mobility and energy of their industrious right-back Philipp Degen to provide attacking width, with the former Borussia Dortmund man overlapping the free-roaming winger Derlis González. If Ronaldo can catch Degen too high up the pitch, there’s a good chance the ball will end up in the back of the Basel net.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniel Carvajal (thigh), Sami Khedira, Jesé (knee). In doubt: None.
Basel injuries and suspensions
Out: Ivan Ivanov (knee), Marcelo Díaz (suspended). In doubt: None.
Real Madrid will be without defender Dani Carvajal, midfielder Sami Khedira and young forward Jesé due to injuries, but otherwise they should be at full-strength. Basel, meanwhile, will be without the long-term injured centre-back Ivan Ivanov, and suspended Chilean international Marcelo Díaz.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: Fox Sports regional networks (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.), TVE La 1, TV3 (Spain)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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