Real Madrid vs FC Schalke 04: Preview and Prediction
Real Madrid vs FC Schalke 04. The defending champions of the Champions League, Real Madrid host German Bundesliga side FC Schalke. Though the round can neither be won nor lost in this first leg, control can be taken leading to an easy win in the second leg.
Real Madrid’s road through the Champions League has been fairly simple up to this point. The defending champions finished the group stage with a perfect six wins in six matches. With a goal differential of 14, Real Madrid has easily outclassed its competition.
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Back-to-back wins over Liverpool highlighted Real Madrid’s strong group stage form. While in La Liga, Real Madrid hold a four point lead over rivals Barcelona. The only hiccup of the clubs campaign came in the form of a 4-0 defeat at derby rival Atletico Madrid.
FC Schalke come into the match looking a little shaky. Finishing second in their group, Schalke backed their way into the knockout rounds. Losing two of their last three matches, Schalke was forced to win their final match at Maribor as well as see Sporting CP lose to group winner Chelsea.
The defeats to Sporting CP and Chelsea all but ended the sides Champions League dreams. Their win over Maribor allowed them to finish second in the group, having now drawn Real Madrid as their competition.
Schalke has also struggled in the Bundesliga this season. The side currently sit fourth in the table, tied with fifth placed FC Augsburg while only two points clear of Bayer Leverkusen.
Key Stats
- Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo are tied for third with five Champions League Goals.
- Real Madrid finished the group stage tied with the best goal differential (+14).
- FC Schalke have been eliminated in the Round of 16 the last two season.
- Real Madrid have won the Champions League ten times.
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Real Madrid have so many stars, it is hard to really single out any key players. However, Real Madrid will need a continuation of Karim Benzema’s group stage form. His five Champions League goals place him third on the goals scored list.
Though Madrid possess many natural goal scorers, it will be up to Benzema to lead the attack. Scoring early and often in this first leg will give Real the ability to coast home during the second leg in Germany.
For Schalke, they will be looking for leadership from their longtime starting goalkeeper, Ralf Fährmann. Fährmann joined Schalke’s youth academy in 2003. He spent the majority of his career with the club, spending three seasons with Eintracht Frankfurt before returning to Schalke.
If Schalke are to advance against Real Madrid, Fährmann will need to have some huge matches. Keeping his side in the match at Real will be key in giving the squad a chance at winning the series.
Overall however, Schalke are fighting a major uphill battle. Real Madrid should be able to win this match and take a major advantage into their next match.
Real Madrid — 4, FC Schalke — 1