Sporting CP vs Real Madrid – UEFA Champions League – Preview

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Sreya

Sporting CP vs Real Madrid – Real Madrid travel to Estádio José Alvalade on 22nd November, Tuesday to face Sporting CP on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid are second on the Group F standings with eight points, trailing Borussia Dortmund by two points.

With the Bundesliga club hosting the fourth-placed Legia Warszawa in a relatively easy fixture, Real Madrid must win tomorrow to challenge for the top spot in the group standings. Sporting CP are third with three points, having lost three of their four games so far.

The Portuguese club is almost ruled out of contention for a knock-out berth but are expected to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Real Madrid played out a 3-3 draw against Legia Warszawa in their last outing while Sporting CP lost 1-0 to Borussia Dortmund.

Team News

Lukas Spalvis, Jefferson, Bruno Paulista and Radosav Petrovic are sidelined through injuries for Sporting CP while Real Madrid will be without the injured Toni Kroos and Alvaro Morata. Casemiro and Pepe have been listed as doubts. Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema are expected to start after returning from their respective injury-related absences

Sporting CP Possible Starting Lineup: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Ruben Semedo, Sebastian Coates, Marvin Zeegelaar, Gelson Martins, Adrian Silva, William Carvalho, Bruno Cesar, Bas Dost, Bryan Ruiz.

Real Madrid Possible Starting Lineup: Keylor Navas, Daniel Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Isco, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We know we are facing the strongest team in the world — that is why they won the Champions League last season. This is a very important game for us not just because of the Champions League but also to ensure that we qualify for the Europa League.”

– Jorge Jesus, Sporting CP.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Sporting CP vs Real Madrid H2H stats, three of the last four matches between these two clubs have resulted in wins for the Spanish side and one draw.

Real Madrid are undefeated in their last eight matches in Europe’s premiere competition and will start as favorites tomorrow. Real Madrid are likely to win 2-1 against Sporting CP tomorrow.