Welcome to the cfrealmadrid.com. Champions League action is back and we are here with the Match Preview of Galatasaray vs Real Madrid. Real Madrid are visiting Istanbul for their away leg in the Champions League. The atmosphere for Real Madrid is very demanding, demoralizing and full of despair. Zidane’s men are on the verge of a miserable end in the Champions League Campaign if this fixture does not result in their favor. The players will be in survival mode as it’s a “Do or Die” situation.
After the disgusting performance against Club Brugge in the matchday 2, Real Madrid will have to seek the victory when they face the Turkish on Tuesday. It’s the last stand for both the club and the fans as both are residing on one point each with a loss and draw to PSG and Brugge in their previous matches. The White shirts have to make more effort for maintaining their legacy and monarchy in the Champions League.
Zidane is under the knife after the recent defeat in Laliga this weekend. This match will be also very important for Zidane’s second spell at Real Madrid. If Real Madrid fails to qualify in the round of 16, things can get worse for Zidane. We may see the sacking of Zidane as it usually happens in the surroundings of Bernabeu on such occasions.
Coming to this match, Real Madrid have faced Galatasaray 7 times before with 4 wins and 3 losses. Galatasaray have won 2 of their home legs in the previous encounters and only lost one. Madrid won 6-1 in last away meeting. Karim Benzema scored twice in that 2014 match. Real Madrid has scored 21 goals while the Turkish side has registered only 10 in the last 7 meetings.
Galatasaray vs Real Madrid – Match Preview:
Well, that was a little history between 2 clubs and the importance of this game for Real Madrid. Now, let’s move to the Match Preview of Galatasaray vs Real Madrid.
Kick-off timings:
The kick off for Galatasaray vs Real Madrid is at 21:00 C.E.T on Tuesday 22 October, 2019. It’s Matchday 3 in Champions League and will be held at Ali Sami Yen Stadium Istanbul.
Squad For Galatasaray vs Real Madrid:
Goalkeeper: Courtois, Areola, and Altube.
Defenders: Carvajal, Odriozola, Ramos, Varane, Militao, Mendy, and Marcelo.
Midfielders: Kroos, Casemiro, Valverde, James, and Isco.
Forwards: Hazard, Benzema, Jovic, Brahim, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo.
Omitted Players: Nacho, Asensio, Bale, Modric, Lucas Vasquez, and Mariano.
Expected Starting Lineup:
Goalkeeper:
Thibaut Courtois will most probably play but it depends upon the Zidane and pressure of criticism he takes regarding the No.1 position in Real Madrid.
Defenders:
Zidane will play the match with full available strength in the back. Carvajal will probably be back as RB. The defensive Duo of Ramos and Varane are expected to start in the heart of the defense. This duo has won 3 Champions League titles. Marcelo will be deployed at the Left Wing Back for his attacking prowess on the left side.
Midfield:
James was impressive in the last match, so, he must start the game. Kroos, coming back from an injury, is in the squad. He may not start the game but I expect him to come of the bench in the second half. Casemiro will play in the defensive midfield role with Valverde playing in Kroos’s role.
Forwards:
Hazard and Benzema will have to play. If Zidane deploys 4-4-2, James can get his favorite free role as number 10. Meanwhile, if opt to choose the conventional 4-3-3, Vinicius Jr. can be on the right wing with Rodrygo and Brahim joining the party at later stages of the match.
Match Prediction:
We fans have to be optimistic here. The team is already in a lot of pressure and we have to back them. Personally, I think Real Madrid will win this fixture with 3-1 scoreline. I expect Benzema and Sergio Ramos to be on the scoresheet. The seniors in our team have to step up to extract the team from the abyss of destruction. In a recent interview, Zidane said:
“I’ve been here [at Real Madrid] for 18 years. The same thing happened to me as a player. I know where we are and the pressure that comes with that. We want to start getting the three points as of tomorrow. I will be positive and will do my best.”
Zinedine Zidane!
Sergio Ramos also talked about Real Madrid in a press conference and said:
“It’s hard to draw any conclusions when results aren’t good. There are a lot of things to improve upon. We are the first to be realistic and do something to change things. It seems hard for us to get into games and we have to avoid that happening again.”
Sergio Ramos!
Verdict:
So, guys, that’s all for Galatasaray vs Real Madrid Match Preview. What are your thoughts on our Match Preview? How do you think this game will come through? Would we able to handle the pressure and take 3 points back home? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. We will be back in a few hours’ time after the game with the Match Review. Keep visiting our website for the latest updates and stories of Real Madrid. Good luck and Hala Madrid!
