CL Preview: Monaco-Real Madrid
At the Louis-II stadium, Monaco will host Real Madrid for the second leg of the Champions League quarter finals. The Spanish giants won the first leg 4-2, therefore a win, a draw or even a loss by one goal is enough for them to qualify for the fifth consecutive year to the semi-finals. Monaco in fact need to win with a two-goal margin or more to secure the next round place.
At the Louis-II stadium, Monaco will host Real Madrid for the second leg of the Champions League quarter finals. The Spanish giants won the first leg 4-2, therefore a win, a draw or even a loss by one goal is enough for them to qualify for the fifth consecutive year to the semi-finals. Monaco in fact need to win with a two-goal margin or more to secure the next round place.
Both teams are enjoying the top spot in their respective leagues, so whoever qualifies for the semis will still be on with a chance for a rare double.
Obviously the hot favourites to go through are Real Madrid, especially after the second half display at the Bernabeu stadium in the first leg, however Morientes' goal in the last minutes gives Monaco a slight chance of making a comeback at home against Real.
Monaco have nothing to lose, as being in the quarter finals, having dominated the first half of the first leg and still with a shot at reaching the semis is already an achievement for Deschamps' squad, but wins during this season like those against Deportivo (8-3) will surely inject some optimism and confidence in the French team who will fight till the last minute of the game to achieve a historic win and qualification.
TEAM NEWS:
Monaco - Big problems for Didier Deschamps, who apart from the suspended Argentinean midfielder Lucas Bernardi, he will have to do without injured midfielder Zikos and more importantly without central defender Sebastien Squillaci.
Real Madrid - Queiroz will be happy to have back Roberto Carlos, match-winner last weekend against Albacete, and Helugera. Figo should be able to recover from the injury scare he suffered this past weekend in the Liga.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Morientes (Monaco) - All eyes will be on him as Morientes will try to lead his current team over his future team to the semi finals of the Champions League. His goals is what Monaco needs to stand a chance against Real.
Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid) - In the first leg, his absence was very much felt by Real and with the current form the Brazilian full back is passing through, rest assured he will be one of the players of the match on Tuesday night.
PROBABLE FORMATIONS:
Monaco (4-4-2): Roma, Givet, Rodriguez, Ablancourt, Evra, Giuly, Cisse, Plasil, Rothen, Morientes, Prso.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Casillas, Míchel Salgado, Helguera, Raul Bravo, Robert Carlos, Guti, Solari, Figo, Raul, Zidane, Ronaldo.