UEFA Champions League | Match Preview: Real Madrid vs Wolfsburg (Team News, Manager Quotes and Predicted Lineups)

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Real Madrid faces a trial by fire as they host German side Wolfsburg in a massive second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. With a two-goal deficit cowering over their heads, the Blancos will be well aware of the high stakes the fixture carries. A shock defeat in the first leg after a morale-boosting Clasico win has taken the wind out of Madrid’s sails. A routine win over the weekend against Eibar has managed to muster some belief amongst the Madrid faithful but, nothing less than a pure attacking masterclass would see the All-Whites through. Wolfsburg, on the other hand, will be the masters of their own destiny as they’ll be wary of a thundering onslaught by the home side.

Team News

Benzema is expected to return after struggling with a knee injury in recent games. His return could see Rodriguez being benched along with Danilo, who is expected to make way for Carvajal.

For the visitors, Caligiuri remains doubtful due to a muscular problem. Sebastian Jung has also been sidelined due to a knee injury.

Zinedine Zidane Quotes

The French Legend preached patience in the presser as Madrid are expected to come out all guns blazing against Wolfsburg.

“We need to score, but we have 90 minutes or more to do so.”

Having thrown the La Liga wide open with the Classico win, Madrid have shown some gumption this season. Trailing the Blaugranas by 12 points at one point in the season, the Blancos have clawed their way back into contention by cutting the gap down to four points. They’ll be needing the same spirit against a highly motivated Wolfsburg side.

“The message is patience because we know anything can happen in football,” he added.

Dieter Hecking Quotes

Wolfsburg boss, Dieter Hecking wasn’t shy in acknowledging his side’s underdog status as the face Real with a two-goal advantage.

“Everyone knows that we are not playing perfectly in our league, but that’s compensated by the Champions League,” Hecking said.

“We are playing well and we already had one magnificent day, now we need another one. We know our league form is not that well, but we hope to move forward in the Champions League.”

Real Madrid vs Wolfsburg Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema

Wolfsburg: Benaglio; Vieirinha, Naldo, Dante, Rodriguez; Guilavogui, Gustavo; Henrique, Arnold, Draxler; Schurrle

While boasting of a plethora of talent going forward, the home side’s fragile defense will be susceptible against a potent German side. Boasting of players like Draxler and Schurrle, a crucial away goal will see the German side through.

Real Madrid vs Wolfsburg Prediction

Real Madrid 3-1 Wolfsburg

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