Real Madrid held the fort in La Liga with a win at Osasuna and stayed at the top of the table. Now it’s time for the stakes to be raised and the UEFA Champions League to return. The disadvantage of finishing second in their group will be felt, as Napoli will visit the Santiago Bernabéu and then defend this result at home. The Italians haven’t lost since October and will be quite a challenge.
Preferred Lineup: 4-3-3
Zinedine Zidane lined up five defenders on Saturday, although the full backs were basically acting as wingers. The reasoning behind this is a mystery, but it’s unlikely it will happen again. Though Napoli has a very strong attack, having three center backs didn’t help in keeping a clean sheet against the last placed squad in La Liga. This time around, conceding goals may become very expensive in the second leg.
GK: Keylor Navas
His poor decision-making during Osasuna’s goal was very surprising to see. He must really grasp the concept of away goals, as there’s no longer room for the coach to be lenient. One simple conceded goal could be the difference between advancing or being eliminated.
Defense
RB: Dani Carvajal
Danilo was rewarded for his improvement, but he had the misfortune of getting injured and couldn’t finish the match. Since Carvajal was already on the bench, it’s clear that he will return now.
CB: Raphaël Varane
His renewed importance this season will keep him here. His speed sets him apart from his competitors, and that’s something the coach can’t do without. Napoli has very talented attackers and someone needs to keep up with them.
CB: Sergio Ramos
He’ll be as important in the back as he will in the attack. He needs to be the voice that tells his teammates “no conceded goals allowed.” He will have to be very active in set pieces and corner kicks, as any goals will be of great help.
LB: Marcelo
He’s a lot more effective as a winger, yet his teammates will need him to pay more attention to the defense. Jointly with Carvajal, he must block whoever escapes Casemiro and company.
Midfield
RCM: Luka Modrić
The Croatian will be more important than ever. His forward runs will be a good way to penetrate the rival’s defense. On top of that, he must join Toni Kroos in providing quality balls in set pieces.
CM: Casemiro
Hamsik, Mertens, Callejón, and Insigne are all very skilled and can do some great damage to Navas. The Brazilian will be essential in stealing the ball from them and/or marking them to force an error.
LCM: Toni Kroos
He completed his suspension on Saturday and is refreshed and ready to play. Keeping the ball is a good resource for stopping Napoli from scoring. He must be quick and provide as many opportunities as he can to Ronaldo and Benzema.
Attack
RW: Lucas Vázquez
He came in late on Saturday and still managed to score a fantastic goal. It doesn’t seem like Gareth Bale will be ready, so Lucas can still start. Since Isco also did well, there may be some competition for this spot.
ST: Karim Benzema
For reasons unknown, the Frenchman has this ongoing love story with this competition. He’s six goals away from reaching Ruud van Nistelrooy as the fourth all-time top goalscorer of the UCL.
LW: Cristiano Ronaldo
Like Benzema, he has something special with this tournament, yet this season he’s had a more difficult time. Messi has scored eight more goals and Benzema is Real’s top man this season with four goals.
