Real Madrid host Apoel Nicosia in the UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid begin their title defense in the Champions League as they kick start the 2017/18 UCL season with a match against Apoel Nicosia. Madrid are the favorites to get the three points.

Kick-off : 8:45 PM (Local)

Venue : Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

Apoel Nicosia are champions of Cyprus and will look to make a mark in the Champions League. Whereas Real Madrid are looking for a historic three-peat.

Los Blancos created history in June when they became the first side to defend the Champions League title. Their start this season though has been erratic, with them winning just one game and drawing two in the La Liga, leaving them four points behind arch rivals Barcelona.

On the other hand, Apoel despite winning the Cyproit league last season had to go through three qualifying stages to progress to the group stages. George Donis’ come into this match on the back of a win in their opening match of the season.

Team news and possible line-ups

Georgios Efrem, Facundo Bertoglio and Zhivko Milanov will not be available against Real Madrid due to injuries.

The key man for Apoel will be captain Nuno Morais and Vinicius.

As for Real Madrid, their are a few injury concerns. But the good news is that Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make a comeback to action.

Karim Benzema will not be available for Wednesday’s game due to a hamstring injury. While Keylor Navas, Raphael Varane and Marco Asensio are doubtful against Apoel.

Apoel Nicosia XI : Waterman, Vouros, Carlao, Rueda, Lago, Vinicius, Morais, Farias, Ebecilio, De Camargo, Aloneftis.

Real Madrid XI : Casilla, Carvajal, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Isco, Bale, Ronaldo.

Prediction

Although Real Madrid’s current form is not that great but I still expect them to win Wednesday’s game 3-0.