Juventus pulled off an impressive 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in Turin in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal last week, but on Wednesday Massimiliano Allegri’s side face the real test in the reverse leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. Madrid will no doubt expect that the away goal Cristiano Ronaldo scored at the Juventus Stadium will be a massive help as they bid to make their second consecutive final.
Real Madrid vs. Juventus, Champions League 2015: Start time, TV schedule and team news
Real Madrid need to come from behind aganst Juventus to make the Champions League final.
Despite Juve’s very impressive showing, Madrid still head in as favorites. Despite having looked pretty shaky at the back, only Barcelona can match them for attacking talent. It’s going to take a mammoth defensive performance from the bianconeri if they’re going to keep a clean sheet. However, while it’ll be tough, it’s not impossible: they’ve conceded just 20 goals in their 35 Serie A matches so far this season.
Key player - Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
The dominant figure in Juventus' defence is undoubtedly Giorgio Chiellini, who seems to be getting better with age. He'll have to be at his best in this match, particularly with Karim Benzema tipped to make a return to Real Madrid's starting lineup.
Key matchup - Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Stephan Lichtsteiner
Real Madrid’s most dangerous attacker is also one of the most dangerous attackers football has ever seen: Cristiano Ronaldo. His incredible pace and power makes him a lethal force out on the left flank, and one that poor Stephan Lichsteiner will have to try and shackle.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Luka Modrić (knee). In doubt: Karim Benzema (knee).
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Kwadwo Asamoah (knee), Martín Cáceres (ankle), Luca Marrone (thigh), Romulo (groin).
Real Madrid will still be without midfielder Luka Modrić with a knee injury, though Karim Benzema could return from a six-game layoff to be available. Toni Kroos is also fit to play, despite being taken off as a precaution on the weekend. Juventus' only absentees are a couple of squad rotation players: wing-back Kwadwo Asamoah and defender Martín Cáceres.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada - English), TVA Sports 2 (Canada - French), Univision Canada (Canada - Spanish), Mediaset Italia (Canada - Italian), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.), Movistar TV Fútbol, C+ Liga de Campeones / HD (Spain), SKY Italia (Italy)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K. and Italy)
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