Real Madrid moved to within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona on the weekend, and Rafael Benítez’s side will look to carry the momentum into their final Champions League fixture at home to Malmö FF on Tuesday. For the Spaniards, there’s nothing but pride at stake: their superior head-to-head record against second-placed Paris Saint-Germain means their three point-buffer is enough to guarantee them the group’s top spot -- and, assuming all goes to plan -- an easier draw in the knockouts.
Real Madrid vs. Malmo 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Champions League online
Real Madrid have already won their Champions League group, but their opponents Malmö still have a place in the Europa League to fight for.
However, Malmö head into the game will a place in the Europa League still to play for, and, unlike most teams from Europe’s major leagues, they’ll be desperate to pull it off. They currently sit rock bottom of the group, but only tiebreakers keep them below Shakhtar Donetsk. With the Ukrainian outfit facing a tough test from PSG, Malmö know that a draw may be enough to leapfrog them and keep their continental campaign alive. Though this is the Champions League, and they are playing Real Madrid: it’ll be easier said than done.
Key player: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
If the importance of Karim Benzema to this Real Madrid team wasn’t obvious before his injury, it certainly is now. The Frenchman continued his comeback by scoring a brace in their 4-1 win over Getafe in La Liga on the weekend, with his return a massive boost to the Merengues. He’s not only a fine striker but he seemingly makes everyone around him play better too, and Cristiano Ronaldo will doubtless be relieved to be back out on his favoured left flank than attempting to fill in for the Frenchman through the middle.
Key factor: Will Malmö give all for their departing coach?
There’s a reason Malmö may be a little more fired up than usual for this match -- aside from the fact that they’e playing at the Santiago Bernabéu. It’s because their veteran coach Åge Hareide has announced that he will leave the club after this match, ending a reasonbly successful couple of years in which he lifted the Swedish domestic title and made a couple of noteworthy forays into the Champions League group stages. The players may well want to give him a good send-off.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Raphaël Varane, Dani Carvajal (thigh); Sergio Ramos (shoulder). In doubt: Marcelo (thigh).
Malmö FF injuries and suspensions
Out: Johan Wiland (concussion). In doubt: None.
Real Madrid will still have a considerably weakened defence, with every one of their first-choice back four either out or in doubt.
Malmö seem to have fewer problems on the injury front: their only confirmed absentee is concussed goalkeeper Johan Wiland.
Match date/time: Tues., Dec. 8, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: FOX Sports regional networks (US - English); ESPN Deportes (US - Spanish); BT Sport Extra (UK)
Online: FOX Soccer 2Go (US - English); Watch ESPN (US - Spanish); BT Sport Live Streaming (UK)
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