It hasn't all been plain sailing since Zinedine Zidane took over at Real Madrid, but they're unlikely to have any problems progressing into the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday. They welcome Italian outfit AS Roma to the Bernabéu, having scored two away goals without reply in the reverse fixture last month. That match was rather closer than the scoreline suggests, though the Giallorossi were punished heavily for their profligacy in front of goal.
Real Madrid vs. AS Roma 2016: Time, TV schedule and news for Champions League
Roma are unlikely to come back from two goals down in their Champions League second leg against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Roma now need to pull off a remarkable upset if they’re to make it through into the next round. There’s no doubting Luciano Spalletti’s side have been in impressive form since he replaced Rudi García -- they’ve pulled themselves back into the Serie A reckoning with seven straight domestic victories -- but Madrid is another calibre of opponent altogether. Roma would do well just to avoid another defeat.
Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Not surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo played a starring role in Madrid’s victory in Rome. He broke the deadlock just short of the hour in textbook fashion, darting in off the left flank before drilling a shot inside Wojciech Szczęsny’s far post. The Portuguese international isn’t getting any younger but he’s yet to show any sign of fading, and he’ll be the man Roma will be most worried about on Tuesday.
Key matchup: Stephan El Shaarawy vs. Dani Carvajal
Former AC Milan starlet Stephan El Shaarawy has moved to Roma in the hope of resurrecting his ailing career. So far, it seems to be working. The Italian has been in some excellent form recently, and has scored five times since arriving from Monaco in January. He could well be the Giallorossi's main outlet on the counter-attack, where he'll look to get the better of Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Toni Kroos (flu); Luka Modrić (ankle); Karim Benzema (muscle).
AS Roma injuries and suspensions
Out: Elio Capradossi (knee); Daniele De Rossi (calf). In doubt: None.
Madrid will likely have striker Benzema sidelined with a muscular injury, while midfielders Kroos and Modrić both face late fitness tests. Roma will be without young centre-back Capradossi and veteran De Rossi; his midfield counterpart Kevin Strootman has made his return from a long-term knee injury, but is not registered in the Italian outfit's Champions League squad.
Match date/time: Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: FOX Sports 1 (US - English); ESPN Deportes (US - Spanish); TSN5, RDS (Canada); BT Sport Europe (UK)
Online: FOX Sports GO, FOX Soccer 2GO, Watch ESPN (US); BT Sport live streaming (UK)
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