Gareth Bale is expected to miss out on a starting spot as Real Madrid meet Ajax in the Champions League tonight.
The Welsh winger was booed by fans at the Santiago Bernabeu in Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Barcelona in LaLiga and with the club’s season at stake, coach Santiago Solari looks likely to opt for either Lucas Vazquez or Marco Asensio in his place.
Luka Modric defended Bale in yesterday’s pre-match press conference, saying his contribution for Real Madrid should not be forgotten.
But the midfielder also said some players have not stepped up since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer and Bale is one of those.
While it was hoped the 29-year-old would assume the role of leader in the absence of the Portuguese, he has spent time out through injury and scored only 13 times in his 33 appearances this season.
Lucas or Asensio would offer more defensively in a match which has assumed even greater importance after the Copa del Rey exit to Barcelona on Wednesday and the La Liga loss to the Catalans on Saturday.
Sergio Ramos misses out through suspension after his deliberate yellow card late in the 2-1 win in Amsterdam and the Madrid captain will be replaced by Nacho. Marcos Llorente is out and will play no part for Real.
Ajax will be fresh for this one, having not played since February 27th. Coach Erik ten Hag is expected to pick the same XI that started the first leg, with Frenkie de Jong - who will join Barcelona in the summer - getting a taste of the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time in midfield.
Real Madrid vs Ajax line ups (predicted)
Real Madrid XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Reguilon, Varane, Nacho, Carvajal; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Vinicius Junior, Benzema, Vazquez
Ajax XI (4-3-3): Onana; Tagliafico, Blind, de Ligt, Mazroui; Schone, de Jong, van de Beek; Neres, Tadic, Ziyech
