'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQb/2gAIAQEAAAAAiB//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC/9oACAECEAAAAB//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB/9oACAEDEAAAAH//xAAgEAACAgEDBQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAwIEAAYSJBEhQZGi/9oACAEBAAE/AH6PtrpKRWtwXEO5ConYqZK4HtEDx0kPWS0O7ceSr6z/xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARES/9oACAECAQE/ANun/8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH/2gAIAQMBAT8Ar//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid C.F
Isco celebrates scoring against Borussia Dortmund
First leg- Real Madrid 3-0 Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid were too good for a Dortmund side half as good as they were when these two sides met in the semi-finals of the same competition last year. Real Madrid are stronger this year than last year and Dortmund have struggled to cope with injury troubles this year, raising question marks about their squad strength and financial strength.
Although they could have scored one or two more, Real Madrid though had a lot to worry about, as they did not look very comfortable in the first leg. Dortmund too, we must all agree had their chances but failed to capitalize when they got them. Their passing in the final third let them down.
Dortmund must try to forget their poor performance in the first leg and look at their performance last season in the semis where they thrashed Real Madrid 4-1 to regain their confidence.They come into this game after an impressive 2-1 victory against Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, where they came back from 1-0 down to wrap up the victory.
2nd leg Preview
Robert Lewandowski returning from suspension is certainly good news for the Dortmund fans who will support their team till the end tonight. He will be looking to create an impact in the second leg and Pepe & co may not find it as easy as they did in the first leg. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was poor in the first leg. His pace was not used as he was not involved for Dortmund in their attacking build up.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel di Maria are doubtful to make the squad for the visitors. This could be the opportunity for youngster Alvaro Morata to shine.
Borussia Dortmund will be without captain Sebastian Kehl due to suspension which adds to the misery for Dortmund, which means Milos Jojic, the January signing will get his chance to prove himself at the top level. Marco Reus who was decent in the first leg apart from his final passes must have a go at Daniel Carvajal who is not a proven defender on the big stage.
Dortmund must try to cut down the spaces for Gareth Bale as he was comfortable dealing with the inexperienced Erik Durm who had replaced the injured left back Marcel Schmelzer.
Another key factor in Real Madrid’s first leg victory was Luka Modric. He must not be gifted any space in the second leg if Dortmund are to make a comeback. Real Madrid has not had a good record at the Signal Iduna Park in the recent past. But, the records don’t often matter when you need to defend a 3-0 lead and hence, Real Madrid will be confident and will be hoping to make it to the semis once again.
PREDICTION
I am going for a 1-1 draw in the second leg and Real Madrid to triumph with an aggregate score 4-1.
