UEFA Champions League: How will Real Madrid lineup against Schalke 04

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Stunned, dazed, and astonished, these 3 words might describe the situation Real Madrid players were in after that shock defeat at the hands of Athletic. While they gone into that match leading the table with 2 points, an uncharacteristic defeat has sent them packing from the top of the table. Although they are still 1 point adrift of the Champions’ spot, that defeat has soured the mood of the LOS BLANCOS. Thus, with a 2 goal cushion against the German side in their pocket, this match might serve as to be the springboard for Real Madrid.

Here is how Real Madrid are expected to lineup against Schalke 04: –

Iker Casillas

With 2 Champions League medals already to his name, Iker Casillas is eyeing a hat-trick of the medals and so far the road has been streamline for the Real Madrid Legend. He will start in the goal for the LOS Blancos.

Dani Carjaval

Even though Real Madrid weren’t influential against Athletic on the weekend, the Spaniard played his part impressively and will earn a place in the Real Madrid team that will host the German side.

Pepe

After suffering a 5 game absence from the first team due to injury, the return to the squad has not been fruitful for the Portuguese. In his 3 matches since return, Real Madrid have won just once with a defeat at Athletic landing them on all fours last week.

Raphael Varane

Being dubbed as a player who will be the future of the LOS BLANCOS, it seems as if the rumors of him moving to somewhere else are effecting his game. He will have to perform better if Real Madrid are to keep a clean-sheet against Schalke.

Marcelo

At a time when the entire Real Madrid defense is under the scrutiny, the role of the Brazilian hasn’t gone unnoticed over the last fortnight.

Illaramendi

After that woeful performance by Lucas Silva which earned the newcomer an axe, Illaramendi earned a call in the first team however, like most of his team-mates around him, the Spaniard failed to impress the Real Madrid folklore. He will have to perform better otherwise a return to fitness of Luka Modric will raise a serious question mark about his Real Madrid career.

Toni Kroos

In a match where Real Madrid enjoyed the lion’s share of almost everything but the goals, it was the lack-luster display of the German that infiliced a misery upon them. In the absence of his killer through balls and his versatility in the midfield, the 90 minutes seemed too long for the Real Madrid players around him. However, like he has done for most of his career, the German can make a comeback against Schalke.

Isco

While his team-mates around him weren’t that good against Athletic, the Spaniard was the best of the lot. Having attempted the most number of passes that any player has managed across the two teams, Isco should take heart from his performance.

Gareth Bale

In a survey that was carried out by the Spanish Newspaper AS, 46% of Real Madrid fans were in favor of dropping the Welsh immediately from the starting 11. However, as they say performance is the best answer, a good game is the only way he can win back the hearts of Real Madrid faithful.

Karim Benzema

At a time when the other two players of the famous BBC trinity are under scrutiny, the Frenchman is the only player who has been able to remain in the good-books of the Real Madrid folklore.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Just 4 months after winning the Ballon D’Or award, no one would have predicted that the performance level of the Portuguese would go down so quickly. In the same survey in which 46% of Real Madrid fans opted to axe Bale, an astonishing 36% advised the Real Madrid boss to do the same with Ronaldo. Thus, with fans getting on his back more often, the Portuguese might have to get the form again which he achieved since the start of this season.

Real Madrid Vs Schalke 04 will take place at the Santiago Bernabeau Stadium on 10th March, 2015.
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UEFA Champions League: How will Real Madrid lineup against Schalke 04