Wolfsburg are set to host Real Madrid in Champions League quarterfinal action, and they know that they need to get a big result in this first leg if they’re going to have any chance at all of advancing. To that end, they’ve run out about as close to a full strength squad as they can right now, with Julian Draxler, Max Arnold and Andre Schürrle headlining a potent attack set up in front of what the Germans will be hoping is a stout midfield and defense.
Real Madrid vs. Wolfsburg, confirmed Champions League lineups
Both teams are running as close to full strength as they can right now, though there is one surprise starter.
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Interestingly enough, Wolfsburg are giving Bruno Henrique his first start since joining the team in January. That’s not “first Champions League start,” that’s first start period. Henrique has made a few substitute performances for Wolfsburg and played well in them, but with the German side struggling up front and lacking healthy and available options, they didn’t have much of a choice.
Real Madrid, for their part, are coming in with a strong lineup. They’re hoping that adding Casemiro to the base of their midfield adds the same security and balance for them that he has before, while their all-star frontline of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale will be doing all they can to overwhelm Wolfsburg’s defense. Ronaldo in particular could be in for a big day, because the fullback facing him (Vieirinha) is normally an attacking winger, not a defensive player.
Wolfsburg starting XI (4-2-3-1): Diego Benaglio; Vieirinha, Naldo, Dante, Rich Rodriguez; Luiz Gustavo, Josh Guilavogui; Julian Draxler, Max Arnold, Andre Schürrle; Bruno Henrique
Real Madrid starting XI (4-3-3): Keylor Navas; Danilo, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric; Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo
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