Real Madrid vs Juventus preview

May 12, 2015
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Juventus vs Real MadridReal Madrid’s hopes of defending the Champions League trophy took a blow as they lost the first leg 2-1, but everybody at the club believes Carlo Ancelotti’s men can overturn a one-goal deficit.

The Bianconeri made an important step towards the first final since 2003, although they are well aware the tie is far from over.

After lifting the Champions League and Copa del Rey trophies last term, Real Madrid had hoped to win at least two major titles this season, but all that’s left now is to try and defend the European trophy.

While they were eliminated from the Spanish Cup, los Blancos have lost the race with Barcelona in the league, meaning they can fully focus on the CL semi-final against Juventus.

Real Madrid were far from impressive in the first leg, suffering a 2-1 defeat, but they have reason for optimism ahead of the second match.

While Gareth Bale is now much closer to 100% than seven days ago, Carlo Ancelotti will also have first choice striker Karim Benzema back from injury.

And with Cristiano Ronaldo in good form at the moment, you should know that Real can be backed at 1.67 (2/3) to win the return leg.

With Luka Modric still out injured, Carlo Ancelotti is set to use Isco, Kroos and Rodriguez as his midfield trio, hoping that patient possession game will produce results against one of world’s strongest defences.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Casillas – Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo – Isco, Kroos, Rodriguez – Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Unlike their next opponents, Juventus are enjoying one of the most successful seasons in history, with the team still in contention to win a historic treble of titles.

The Serie A trophy is already in the bag, while the Bianconeri are vying Lazio for the Coppa Italia trophy and Real Madrid for a place in the Champions League final.

Juventus did a great job by defeating Real Madrid seven days ago, and can now be backed at 2.10 (11/10) to qualify for the final.

Nobody at the club will be too concerned by the weekend’s draw with Cagliari as the players clearly had one eye on the Real clash, while Max Allegri managed to rest a number of his starters.

Key midfielder Paul Pogba is fit to start after missing the first leg, with Stefano Sturaro set to be dropped from the starting line-up.

Everything suggests Max Allegri will field his side in a 4-3-1-2 formation, with the likes of Llorente, Barzagli, Pereyra and Sturaro waiting for their chance on the bench.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Buffon – Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra – Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio – Vidal – Morata, Tevez.

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