Champions League preview: Real Madrid to use Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo vs Galatasaray
Now that Ancelotti has sold Mesut Ozil to Arsenal, the German player's pinpoint passes look likely to be replaced by explosive attacking runs and fierce crosses into the box.
- Associated Press
- Updated: September 16, 2013 06:32 pm IST
With Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale set to play against Galatasaray in the Champions League, Real Madrid will travel to Istanbul with the most expensive attacking lineup in football history.
Ronaldo renewed his contract with Madrid on Sunday, and he has now set his mind on winning another European Cup.
"I don't have doubts that sooner or later the 10th European Cup will arrive and I am convinced that it will be this year," Ronaldo said.
However, Madrid will be without midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is sidelined with a broken foot. The 31-year-old Spaniard's absence was noticeable against Villarreal over the weekend as Madrid dropped points and is now fourth in the league behind Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Villarreal.
Although Diego Lopez did well in Saturday's 2-2 draw, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has said Iker Casillas will be in goal against Galatasaray.
The Turkish team boasts a good home record, losing only two of its last 14 home European matches, but Ronaldo is also in good form with 21 goals in his previous 19 Champions League outings.
Now that Ancelotti has sold Mesut Ozil to Arsenal, the German player's pinpoint passes look likely to be replaced by explosive attacking runs and fierce crosses into the box.
Bale scored in his debut with Madrid against Villarreal, knocking a cross into the net.
"Proud to score on my debut," Bale said in a tweet, adding "just disappointed not to get the result. Looking forward to Tuesday now."
Madrid has lost in the semifinals of the lucrative competition in the last three seasons, last season to Borussia Dortmund.
"Real Madrid have not made it into the final of the Champions League since 2002 and that's amazing when you think about it," Ancelotti said. "I think it's been too long for a club of Madrid's stature."
In the other group match, FC Copenhagen will host Juventus.