Real Madrid will look to carry the momentum generated by the weekend's El Clásico win into their Champions League encounter with Wolfsburg in Germany on Wednesday. Zinedine Zidane's side may not have been consistently at their best since the Frenchman replaced Rafael Benítez, but they've now recorded six straight wins in all competitions and should have more than enough to see off Wolfsburg.
Real Madrid vs. Wolfsburg 2016: Start time, TV schedule and team news for Champions League
Wolfsburg will have to pull off a big upset if they’re to beat Real Madrid at the Bernabéu on Wednesday.
The Bundesliga side haven’t been having the best of domestic seasons, and have perhaps struggled to juggle league games with their European commitments. They made somewhat hard work of getting past Gent in the Champions League’s first knockout round, and have drawn one of the competition’s shortest straws with a visit to the Bernabéu in the quarterfinals.
Key player: Julian Draxler (Wolfsburg)
It would only be natural for Wolfsburg to be daunted by the prospect of a trip to the Bernabéu, but one man who’ll surely be relishing the occasion is the German side’s young attacking midfielder Julian Draxler. The German international showed glimpses of world-class talent in a couple of excellent showings in the last round, and must still harbour ambitions of one day playing his club football on such a stage. If his side are to have a chance, he’ll have to be at his best.
Key matchup: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Christian Träsch
As predictable as it may be, this is still a matchup that could well define this tie. Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to show any signs of slowing down, and the La Liga top scorer is still capable of practically winning these games on his own. It'll be up to 10-time German international Christian Träsch to try and stop him on the right side of Wolfsburg's defence — a job rather easier said than done.
Wolfsburg injuries and suspensions
Out: Naldo (shoulder); Sebastian Jung (knee); Paul Seguin (ankle). In doubt: Bas Dost (foot); Daniel Caligiuri (groin).
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Raphaël Varane (ankle).
Wolfsburg will be without defenders Naldo and Jung, as well as midfielder Seguin. Attackers Dost and Caligiuri face late fitness tests on foot and groin injuries.
Real Madrid have no confirmed absentees, though young centre-back Varane will have to recover from an ankle injury if he’s to be involved.
Match date/time: Wednesday., 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Volkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg, Germany
TV: FOX Sports 2 (U.S. - English); ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish); beIN Sports (Canada); BT Sport 2 (U.K.)
Online: FOX Sports GO, FOX Soccer 2GO (U.S.); beIN Sports Connect (Canada); BT Sport live streaming (U.K.)
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