Real Madrid host Galatasaray in Group B of the UEFA Champions League, knowing that they only need to avoid a loss in order to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition, late on Wednesday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid at 1945 hrs BST.
The hosts lead the group table with 10 points from their first 4 matches, 6 points clear of 2nd placed Galatasaray. Even a draw from this fixture will mathematically secure Los Blancos’ future in the competition.
Star player Cristiano Ronaldo will miss out on this match due to a hamstring injury he picked up during last weekend’s match against Almeria.
However, he is expected to be back in the side for the domestic league match on the weekend. Wesley Sneijder will also be sidelined for this encounter.
However, Isco and Gareth Bale will try to torment the visitors with their deadly skills in the midfield.
The visitors, if secure a draw or a win in this match, will increase their chances of qualification to the last 16 stage of the Champions League. They are currently tied on points with 3rd placed FC Kobenhavn, ahead only on minute goal difference, who play Juventus the same night.
Champions League winner Didier Drogba will be leading the charge for his side. Drogba is no stranger to Real Madrid, and knows the importance of squeezing out even a draw from the mighty opponent.
When the sides met last time 2 months ago in the reverse fixture, it ended with a 6-1 humiliation for the Turkish side at their home ground in Istanbul.
They will need to avoid similar fate in this match to have any hopes of continuing their march in this competition. Any slip ups from the Turks will give FC Kobenhavn the chance to pounce for the 2nd spot.