Borussia Monchengladbach are on the verge of progression to the Champions League last 16 as coach Marco Rose rolls back the years. To reach the last 16 for the first time ever, Rose must mastermind a win or draw away to Real Madrid on matchday 6.
The Foals go into the game following a controversially disallowed goal on matchday 5 against Inter Milan. Had they got the point they deserved, there would be some breathing space, but not much.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are in chaos. In spite of a win versus Sevilla at the weekend, Los Blancos had lost their two previous games in all competitions.
Manager Zinedane Zidane is hanging onto his job by his fingertips. Failing to reach the Champions League last 16 could see him sacked.
Real Madrid’s matchday 5 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk has them in their current position. The good news is that a win will ensure the veteran team make the last 16. A loss and Inter Milan win against Shakhtar Donetsk would see Real Madrid completely dumped from European tournaments.
In spite of their loss to Inter Milan on matchday 5, Borussia Monchengladbach are in good form. Rose has put his eggs into the Champions League basket this season. The Foals have been brilliant but will be kicking themselves for defensive lapses.
Borussia Monchengladbach were up 2-0 against Real Madrid on matchday 2 after 87 minutes. The Foals’ defence lost their heads allowing two goals in the final minutes to Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema and Casemiro.
Had Rose’s team seen out the win, this game wouldn’t matter. Instead, both teams desperately need to win to progress.
Gladbach can move on with just a draw. The Germans do not have to win; but it won’t be easy to get a result in Madrid.
Sergio Ramos will return for Real Madrid following injury. The centre-back could be in the final months of his Madrid career as reports indicate he will join an unnamed Premier League team in the summer for free.
Eden Hazard is out with an injury. Federico Valverde and Dani Carvajal could both miss the game as well through injury. Rose will be without Ramy Bensebaini and Jonas Hofmann; but will restore Marucs Thuram to the starting XI after resting him at the weekend.
Borussia Monchengladbach have never made the Champions League last 16. On Wednesday night, they should get the point they need to seal progression to the next round. Expect another thriller between these sides with both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals scored.
💪⚽🌱 ¡Última puesta a punto antes del partido de mañana!🆚 @borussia_es#RMCity | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/QCQWqFZxAN— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 8, 2020
💪⚽🌱 ¡Última puesta a punto antes del partido de mañana!🆚 @borussia_es#RMCity | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/QCQWqFZxAN
A draw will force Real Madrid to wait and see on the result of Shakhtar Donetsk and Inter Milan at the San Siro to determine their European fate.