Bale & Benzema Miss Madrid Derby Tie

Source: thewillnigeria.com

Real Madrid will be without two thirds of their usual frontline after Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema were ruled out of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Bale has a calf problem and Benzema has a knee injury, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo, Javier Hernandez and Jese Rodriguez as Real's fit forwards.

Atletico are still unsure of the fitness of striker Mario Mandzukic, who had an ankle injury.

The first leg at Atletico ended 0-0.
Real are also without midfielder Luka Modric, who suffered a knee ligament strain against Malaga and is expected to be unavailable for six weeks. Left-back Marcelo is suspended.

Ancelotti said: “I have the best squad in the world and it is important to focus on the players who are going to play and not on those who are not playing.

“The answer will be to play fresh players, who are enthusiastic, fit, and who can help the squad.

“We have not beaten Atletico this season because they are a very strong side with one of the most solid defences in the world. It is difficult to score goals against them.

“It will be a close game, hard-fought in all areas and intense. I do not think that Atletico will be in a hurry to score and neither will we.”

Atletico will be without suspended midfielder Mario Suarez against their neighbours in a repeat of last year's final, which they lost.

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