Surprise package Wolfsburg will be looking to add more glory to an already outstanding Champions League campaign when they receive the visit of mighty Real Madrid on Wednesday. The Blancos are looking for their 11th European Cup trophy, while the Germans have nothing to lose in their first ever appearance in the knockout stages of the competition. The two sides have never met before, but Wolfsburg have faced Spanish opponents on five occasions before, losing twice against Atletico Madrid and beating Villarreal. Real Madrid have won just four times away from home against German opposition.
Wolfsburg surprised everybody as they progressed from Group B ahead of PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United. Then they booked their place into the quarter-finals with a 4-2 aggregate triumph over another surprising team, Gent. This is only the second Champions League presence for Wolfsburg but they have been in the quarter-finals of an European competition before as they reached this stage in the Europa League on three occasions. They have lost just one of their last seven home matches in the Champions League, but they are coming from three Bundesliga matches without a win. Sebastian Jung will be unavailable due to a knee problem, while Daniel Caligiuri and Bas Dost are in doubt.
Despite a tricky domestic season, Real Madrid will be fully confident ahead of Wednesday's match after Saturday's 2-1 at the Camp Nou in the Clasico derby against Barcelona. That was the sixth consecutive win in all competition for the Blancos, who have revived their hopes of clinching the Primera Liga title even though they are still seven points behind Barcelona. Raphael Varane remains out of contention, but the three stars in attack should all be fully fit and ready to put on a show: Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Probable line-ups:
Wolfsburg: Benaglio - Trasch, Knoche, Dante, Rodriguez - Gustavo, Guilavogui - Vieirinha, Draxler, Schurrle - Kruse
Real Madrid: Navas - Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo - Kroos, Modric, Casemiro - Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
My prediction: Real Madrid to win 1-0.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Wolfsburg win - 5.25 Draw - 4.20 Real Madrid win - 1.67
sharpe
8 years ago
It was a great performance and win by the German team. Many people still think Real would be favourite even after that loss but I'm not too sure about that. Certainly Wolfsburg has the greatest chance ever to be on the CL semi final and many things in the rematch depends on them. They don't have to be too defensive from...
It was a great performance and win by the German team. Many people still think Real would be favourite even after that loss but I'm not too sure about that. Certainly Wolfsburg has the greatest chance ever to be on the CL semi final and many things in the rematch depends on them. They don't have to be too defensive from the start of the second game and the things could happen for them, will be very interesting for sure.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
After defetating Barcelona in el Classico,everyone expected to see los Blancos hammering Wolfsburg.We saw absolutely great performance by Germans.They reallo know how to attack and when to attack.With this result ,they have great advantage ahead of second leg.Real Madrid still has chances,because 90 minutes at Bernabeu...
After defetating Barcelona in el Classico,everyone expected to see los Blancos hammering Wolfsburg.We saw absolutely great performance by Germans.They reallo know how to attack and when to attack.With this result ,they have great advantage ahead of second leg.Real Madrid still has chances,because 90 minutes at Bernabeu can last very very long ...
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
advoghado
8 years ago
We have here another game with a favorite team and an underdog, despite playing in their stadium Wolfsburg imo, wil not create problem for R. Madrid, the German team is a surprise and earlier stage faced weak Gent, while Real Madrid despatched to Rome with two scores by 2 x 0. The Spaniards with the full team and especially...
We have here another game with a favorite team and an underdog, despite playing in their stadium Wolfsburg imo, wil not create problem for R. Madrid, the German team is a surprise and earlier stage faced weak Gent, while Real Madrid despatched to Rome with two scores by 2 x 0. The Spaniards with the full team and especially the offensive trio should be too much work for the defense of Wolfsburg and will inevitably bring victory home.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
jakablazic 8 years ago
This is the end of the road for Wolfsburg, I simply can't see the scenario of them knocking out Real Madrid. Real is too strong, well covered in every position, full of confidence after El Classico win few day ago. I predict something like 0-3. Ronaldo, Benzema and Casemiro to score :D
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
milo?.sekuli?
8 years ago
Wolfsburg should be pleased with the fact that they got this far. They should play calm, and try not to embarrass themself. I dont give them a big chance, because Real is rising his form, especially after that victory over Barcelona. Excellent game with one less player. Real will finish the job tonight.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.