Tottenham vs. Real Madrid: Team News, Prediction for Return Champions League Clash
Tottenham and Real Madrid go head to head for the second time in two weeks at Wembley on Wednesday evening, with both clubs on identical records following their opening three matches of their Champions League Group H campaign.
Both sides sit on seven points after Spurs creditable draw a fortnight ago at the Bernabeu, with a Raphael Varane own goal giving the Premier League team the lead, only for Cristiano Ronaldo to level proceedings from the spot just before half time.
With a win handing either team a massive boost in finishing top of their challenging group, here's everything you need to know ahead of the encounter at Wembley:
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Classic Encounter:
Real Madrid 4-0 Tottenham (Champions League, 5th April 2011)
A humbling 4-0 defeat to Jose Mourinho's side saw Spurs crash out of the Champions League Quarter-Final stage, after memorable wins over both Milan sides, a trip to the Spanish capital was a step to far.
Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor got the home side off to an ideal start as he out jumped Jermaine Jenas to power a header past the helpless Heurelho Gomes after just four minutes.
Things went from bad to worse with 15 minutes gone when Peter Crouch was shown a second yellow for a late challenge on Marcelo, meaning Spurs' top scorer in their campaign had been dismissed at a time when they needed goals and subsequently missing the second leg.
Gareth Bale then had Tottenham's best chance of the night when he burst past Sergio Ramos before firing into the side netting. With 57 minutes gone Real and Adebayor doubled their tally, when the Togo international looped Marcelo's cross over Gomes.
Angel di Maria then added a third when he cut inside following a run down the right hand side and unleashed and unstoppable effort into the top corner, before Cristiano Ronaldo put the tie to bed as he volleyed in Kaka's cross from a tight angle.
Team News:
Spurs face a worrying wait as talisman Harry Kane is set to miss the tie at Wembley, the forward was forced off with a hamstring strain last weekend against Liverpool and as a result missed the defeats to West Ham and Manchester United.
Victor Wanyama is the only other first team regular who is set to miss the top of the table clash, but Mauricio Pochettino will be boosted with the return of Dele Alli from suspension and the possible inclusion of Erik Lamela in the squad for the first time this year.
Zinedine Zidane named a strong side in their surprise defeat to Girona on Sunday, but will see the likes of Keylor Navas and Nacho return to the starting eleven against Spurs. Varane may well be a doubt after being forced off at half time following a muscle issue.
Former Tottenham hero Gareth Bale is also set to miss his return to London after only recently returning to training following a complaint, with Dani Carvajal also absent following his infection that has seen him miss the last month.
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Potential Tottenham Line-Up: Lloris, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Dembele, Dier, Rose, Eriksen, Dele, Son
Potential Real Madrid Line-Up: Navas, Achraf, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Asensio, Ronaldo, Benzema
Key Battles:
Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Spurs Back Three
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With Kane set to miss out, Pochettino may well rethink his strategy against lat season's Champions. Record Champions League scorer Ronaldo is set to play a vital part in the match and will have o be kept under wraps by the Spurs back three.
The Portugal captain has five goals in his opening three matches, and scored the equaliser in the reverse fixture two weeks ago. With Tottenham having a decent record of having defensive strengths, the result may well depends on if they can keep Ronaldo quiet.
Prediction:
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Spurs come into the game as slight favourites after Real's woeful performance this weekend. Pochettino's men have turned form around at Wembley barring their defeat to West Ham in a much changed side.
Real have been more impressive on their travels this season though and despite their stuttering start to their La Liga campaign, they have found comforts in the Champions League with some impressive performances.
Kane's absence means Spurs will lack their clinical edge that they usually have in the final third, but a draw between the two looks most likely.
Prediction:
Tottenham 1-1 Real Madrid with Ronaldo to score
