The UCL group stage match between Real Madrid and FC Basel will take take place at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain on Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 at 11.45am Pacific.
Real are going through a crisis right now, and it’s just the right time for Basel to finish them off. Their only previous encounters date back to the UEFA Cup in 71/72, with Basel almost leaving Madrid out. The rest of Group B will also start their journey tomorrow, as Liverpool take on Ludogorets at Anfield. While in popularity, these two teams may seem harmless, being too confident could only do worse for the giants.
Real Madrid
They lost at Anoeta 4-2 and 1-2 at the Bernabéu against Atleti. Six goals conceded in two games, a plethora of defensive mistakes and a lack of creativity are marking the team’s season so far. Carlo Ancelotti is being questioned right now, since the team has played well in the last two matches, but only for 15 or 20 minutes. After that, they seem to disconnect and lose any control or motivation to win.
Carlo doesn’t seem like the type of guy to start revolutions, so there shouldn’t be any surprises in the lineup. Nevertheless, if this bad streak continues, something will need to drastically change, since you could be saying goodbye to La Liga as early as this month. Patience is limited in this club, and you need to win and play well. The team will have that hybrid between the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, and it would look like this: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modrić, James; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.
FC Basel
The Swiss team doesn’t have a rich history in Europe. Their biggest achievements are the 73-74 UCL quarter-finals, and the 2012-13 Europa League semi-finals. However, it’s good to point out that in recent years, this humble team has been able to draw at Old Trafford, Anfield and Camp Nou. In addition, they beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and at Basel, as well as beating United at Basel.
While they have sold major players like Shaquiri and Salah, they still have a good enough squad to cause trouble. Currently leading the Swiss Super League, the club is looking to continue their streak of great matches against big rivals. Streller and Frei are the men to watch. On top of that, Walter Samuel will return to the Bernabéu, after playing for Madrid back in 2004.
Real Madrid vs FC Basel Prediction
Carlo Ancelotti knows that he needs to win yes or yes. His head will roll should the catastrophe expand to the Champions League. Real shouldn’t have any problems dominating the ball, but Basel could see a golden opportunity when it comes to set pieces. A corner kick is almost like a penalty kick nowadays, as Real are making it too easy for rivals to score.
Real Madrid 3-2 FC Basel
Real Madrid vs FC Basel TV Schedule
The game will be broadcast on a variety of regional Fox Sports channels, its online streaming options and through Watch ESPN. For your local time please check here.
