Real Madrid will travel to Signal Iduna Park to meet Borussia Dortmund in the mega clash of group F in the UEFA Champions League.

Thomas Tuchel’s men have scored 20 goals in their last 4 matches and have been unplayable over the last month.

Real Madrid have looked extremely disjointed in the last two La Liga games and will need to improve significantly if they want a positive result against a well drilled unit of Dortmund.

The last time these two sides met, Dortmund picked up a 2-0 win at home.

Real Madrid: Unbeaten This Season

Zinedine Zidane has had a decent start to the season in terms of the Spanish La Liga. Under his reign as manager, Los Galacticos have got off to a perfect start. However, they have been at the receiving end of a few draws in the season. Yet, they remain on top of the table, ahead of their Classico rivals Barcelona by one point.

While Alvaro Morata has been the only one to make it into the side on a transfer, the likes of Mariano Diaz and Marco Asensio have covered all the gaps in terms of Real Madrid being an attacking threat.

In the context of the Champions League, Real Madrid have found themselves with Borussia Dortmund, Sporting CP, and Leiga Warsaw. In spite of beating Sporting CP in their opening encounter, Madrid find themselves in second place. It is somewhat ironical as well to see Dortmund ahead of their cross-country rivals. 

As far as team news goes, all players seem to be more or less fit. While this is something desirable for every manager, it creates a selection headache for Zidane who will have to pick a squad keeping in mind the fatigue factor.

He is most certainly expected to name a strong squad against a quality side like Dortmund. It also seems quite clear that a few fringe players in the form of James Rodriguez and Mariano Diaz will be expected to make a start. 

Borussia Dortmund: All Action

The story for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga is quite similar to the story that has been doing the rounds for the last few seasons. In spite of losing the second game of their season, Thomas Tuchel’s men have been in somewhat free-scoring form of late. The Die Schwarzgelben have managed to net 14 goals in their previous 3 matches in the Bundesliga.

However, this will be an open and shut case against a team they have played against in the past in the knockout stages. Yet, that glory they have seen in the past has not really transcended into anything productive in recent times as Madrid are indeed a force to reckon with. Moreover, in the Champions League and other European competitions, you do get punished for your mistakes.

Thus, while Madrid have been doing all they can to not let the goals in, Dortmund have been firing on all cylinders in the attacking front. Of course, the Champions League is a different ball game.

It can only be assumed that Madrid are the favorites. However, given the fact that Tuchel is expected to play all his attackers – Aubameyang, Gotze, and Schurrle, it seems as though a mouthwatering clash is on the horizon. Many will also be looking at the performances of Sebastian Rode and Christian Pulisic as they attempt to pull the strings in midfield. 

Key Battle: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang vs Nacho

It is said that Pierre Aubameyang can run almost 30 meters in a couple of seconds. While this remains to be seen, Nacho is one of the faster defenders in the Madrid lineup. While Pepe lacks pace, he makes up for the same in solidity. With Auba expected to make runs down different flanks, he will be up against both Marcelo and Nacho. Thus, a war of pace is most certainly expected. 

The X-Factor: Sebastian Rode

Sebastian Rode made the switch from Bayern Munich to Dortmund earlier this year in the summer transfer window. However, since swapping places with Mats Hummels, Rode has been in the thick of the action for the most part of Dortmund’s early season. His scintillating performances in the handful of matches he has played thus far is a testament to the aforementioned statement. He will be expected to pull the strings  in midfield alongside American Christian Pulisic. 

Predicted Starting Lineup

Borussia Dortmund(4-2-3-1): Burki; Piszczek, Sokratis, Ginter, Schmelzer; Rode, Castro; Guerreiro, Gotze, Dembele; Aubameyang

Real Madrid(4-3-3): Casilla; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; James, Kroos, Modric; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale

Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany

Picture Courtesy:DailyMail, ESPN