Cristiano Ronaldo is fighting fit and will start on Tuesday, having overcome the muscle problem which saw him miss Saturday's derby at Atletico - and he remains Madrid's great white hope in this match.
Ronaldo netted his side's sole strike at the Signal Iduna Park last week, but spent much of this time deep in midfield and was unable to influence the game (aside from the goal) in the areas where he can be so dangerous. For Madrid to succeed on Tuesday, that must change.
A return to the side's favoured formation is likely to help, but Madrid's midfielders must release the ball quickly to their talisman for maximum impact on Tuesday. Cristiano is Madrid's man for the big occasion and if his team-mates can feed the forward early and in space, the Portuguese's pace, dribbling and finishing ability could yet decide this tie.
Ronaldo with mother and sister
Cristiano Ronaldo is fighting fit and will start on Tuesday, having overcome the muscle problem which saw him miss Saturday's derby at Atletico - and he remains Madrid's great white hope in this match.
Ronaldo netted his side's sole strike at the Signal Iduna Park last week, but spent much of this time deep in midfield and was unable to influence the game (aside from the goal) in the areas where he can be so dangerous. For Madrid to succeed on Tuesday, that must change.
A return to the side's favoured formation is likely to help, but Madrid's midfielders must release the ball quickly to their talisman for maximum impact on Tuesday. Cristiano is Madrid's man for the big occasion and if his team-mates can feed the forward early and in space, the Portuguese's pace, dribbling and finishing ability could yet decide this tie.