Real Madrid will have to overturn a two-goal deficit if they're to overcome Wolfsburg and reach the Champions League semifinals on Tuesday. Zinedine Zidane's side put on a defensive horror-show in the first leg in Germany, with Ricardo Rodríguez and Max Arnold both getting on the scoresheet as the unfancied Bundesliga outfit emerged 2-0 winners. Suffice to say, they can expect everything but the kitchen sink thrown at them at the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid vs. Wolfsburg 2016: Start time, TV schedule and team news for Champions League
Real Madrid head into the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal two goals down.
Wolfsburg have already rewritten the history books to get to this point, having failed to get beyond the group stages in their only other Champions League or European Cup appearance. It’s a thoroughly impressive achievement from Dieter Hecking’s men, no matter what happens at the Bernabéu on Tuesday. Real Madrid, on the other hand, will still be expecting to have enough to triumph in front of their own supporters.
Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most feared attackers in world football today, and chipped in with a goal and two assists as the Merengues crushed Eibar 4-0 in La Liga on the weekend. He’s scored 13 goals in nine Champions League appearances this season, and with his outstanding blend of pace, power and technique, he’s going to be the man Wolfsburg will be most worried about facing.
Key question: How well will Wolfsburg counter?
Given that they’re two goals down heading into this match, we can be certain that Real Madrid are going to take risks on Tuesday. They’ll commit men forward and push high up the field, potentially leaving big space in behind their defensive line. For a Bundesliga team like Wolfsburg, so notoriously good on the counter-attack, that is a mouthwatering prospect. André Schürrle and Julian Draxler could well have a field day.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: None In doubt: Raphaël Varane (calf); Karim Benzema (knee)
Wolfsburg injuries and suspensions
Out: Sebastian Jung (knee). In doubt: Daniel Caligiuri (groin).
Varane and striker Benzema both returned to training from recent injuries, but their return to the pitch against Wolfsburg remains questionable. Otherwise, Zidane will have a full-strength team to choose from.
Wolfsburg’s injury problems have eased in recent weeks, and now their only certain absentee is defender Jung. Midfielder Caligiuri will hope to recover from a groin problem in time to play.
Match date/time: Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: FOX Sports 2 (US - English); FOX Deportes (US - Spanish); beIN Sports (Canada); BT Sport 2 (UK)
Online: FOX Sports GO, FOX Soccer 2Go (US); beIN Sports Connect (Canada); BT Sport live streaming (UK)
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