Prediction: Real Madrid vs Tottenham

Verdict: Both Teams to Score

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmakers: Bet 365

Real Madrid host Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham side in what will undoubtedly be a crucial game in Group H of the Champions League. Both sides go into Tuesday night’s game with identical records and a positive result for either team will see them seize control of the group. With star players on show for both teams this promises to be a hugely entertaining, high-quality game.

Real Madrid

Los Blancos are the masters of European football and last season Real became the first team ever to retain the Champions League in its current format. This campaign the Spanish super club will be looking to make it three in a row, and they have started their Champions League quest in typically impressive fashion. Comfortable wins over APOEL and Borussia Dortmund have put the Madrid club level on points with their opponents Tottenham at the top of Group H.

Real are arguably the most formidable team in world football and boast world-class players in every position. Cristiano Ronaldo has fired in four goals in his side’s two Champions League games this season and will be looking to finish as the competition’s top scorer for the sixth consecutive season. However it is on the defensive front that Real possess anything resembling a weakness. Los Blancos have only kept three clean sheets in their 12 games across all competitions this season, though luckily they are capable of outscoring almost any team on the planet.

Team News

Former Tottenham star Gareth Bale won’t feature in this game as he remains sidelined with a calf injury. Dani Carvajal, who was diagnosed with Pericarditis in September, is also unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery.

Keylor Navas should return for this game while Isco and Luka Modric should both start having been rested for Real’s game against Getafe at the weekend.

Tottenham

Despite being drawn in the ‘group of death’ alongside Tuesday night’s opponents Real Madrid and 2013 competition finalists Borussia Dortmund, Spurs have shown that they can compete at the highest level amongst Europe’s elite. Mauricio Pochettino’s side sit level on points with Real in Group H after wins against APOEL and Dortmund, and striker Harry Kane has already bagged a competition-high five goals.

It may be to Tottenham’s benefit that this game will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu given their struggles at Wembley, and Spurs have actually won all five of their away games in all competitions this season. These away wins have helped the North London club climb to third in the Premier League table, trailing the two Manchester sides who have started the season in stunning form. Tottenham have an abundance of talented players and could well experience some success hitting a very attack-minded Real Madrid on the break.

Team News

Left back Ben Davies missed Tottenham’s game against Bournemouth at the weekend due to illness and the Welshman could miss out again on Tuesday night. Erik Lamela, Mousa Dembele, Danny Rose and Victor Wanyama all remain sidelined.

Heung-min Son could replace the suspended Dele Alli while Jan Vertonghen is eligible after serving his ban.

Key Factors to Consider

• Tottenham have never scored against Real Madrid in the five competitive meetings between the two sides.
• Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 15 Champions League home games.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in his last seven Champions League games.
• Tottenham have won their last seven away games in a row in all competitions.
• Harry Kane has scored seven times in his last four Champions League games.

Conclusion

This fixture brings together two sides that are capable of scoring bags of goals. Real Madrid, for all their attacking prowess, have never been the most reliable defensive unit and we could well see a well-drilled Tottenham side capitalise on this. It is not often that Real fail to score and it will be a struggle for Spurs to keep Los Blancos at bay. We should see goals in this game with some of the world’s best players on display.

Verdict: Both Teams to Score

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmakers: Bet 365