'%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,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Team News:
Real Madrid
Gareth Bale played in the final minutes of the win against Malaga, but he may not be completely fit for a start here.
Raphael Varane joined the rest of the group and coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he will be available to play from the start.
Iker Casillas looks set to sit out once again, but the Italian manager may need his experience in such a game.
Juventus
After skipping the match in Florence due to a missed flight (and Conte’s rules), Arturo Vidal suffered a muscular injury that could keep him out.
In that case, Paul Pogba could play in the middle instead of covering for Stephan Lichtsteiner’s absence on the right flank.
Simone Padoin and Mauricio Isla will battle for the remaining spot on the right side, unless Antonio Conte fields Caceres for a more defensive starting XI.
Match Facts
Juventus have won their last 4 matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Real Madrid’s last 7 games in the Champions League (including qualifiers).
Real Madrid have won their last 3 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).
Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers).
Juventus have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Prediction
Real Madrid beat Malaga with a solid performance and, thanks to Osasuna, are now just 3 points off the top of the table in the week leading up to El Clasico. Morale is high and the hype for such a prestigious match is huge in Madrid.
After an hour Juventus were leading 0-2 in Florence and it appeared that Antonio Conte’s side had wiped away all the criticism heard before the last international break. Then the team completely lost control of the match and now Juventus will travel to Madrid with a troubled internal environment.
The hosts are better equipped and in stronger form and higher morale. Juventus are also in need of some points against Madrid to keep their place in the Champions League, but a point here would be welcome before the return fixture in Turin next month. Still, the Merengues will probably not settle until their dominant position in the group is secured.
