Newcomers Sheriff Tiraspol will have another taste of UEFA Champions League football this season when they face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Sheriff recorded their first win in their competition after beating Shakhtar Donetsk in their first group stage game two weeks ago.
However, in Madrid, the Moldavian outfit will face the record winners of the Champions League knowing that they have a vital clash coming up.
Madrid also had a winning start to this season’s tournament after Rodrygo Goes’ late goal saw them beat Inter Milan on an opening day.
Both teams are looking to ensure they are on a safer side before the next round of games though Madrid seems the favourites as of now to make it out of the group.
The match will also see Santiago Bernabeu host a Champions League game for the very first time after 580 days.
Since the team returned to the pitch, only Villarreal have taken points from Madrid, in a league game played over the weekend.
Sheriff on the other hand comes into this game after a convincing 7-0 win away from home over FC Dinamo Auto in the Moldova Divizia Nationala.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu.
Date: Tuesday, September 28 2021.
Time: 19:00 GMT.
TEAM NEWS
Carlo Ancelotti has been boosted by the return of midfield maestro, Toni Kroos’ return to full fitness, though he is unlikely to be involved from the start on Tuesday.
Gareth Bale, Marcelo, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos are the only missing players for Madrid. Andriy Lunin is likely to be given a nod in midweek as well as Eden Hazard and Lucas Vazquez.
For Sheriff, Alexandr Belousov remains the only player on the sidelines ahead of Tuesday’s clash. Everyone else is available for selection for Yuri Vernydub. The gaffer is expected to keep the same team that beat Shakhtar in the opening fixture.
POSSIBLE STARTING LINEUPS
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Camavinga, Casemiro, Modric; Hazard, Benzema, Vinicius.
Sheriff: Athanasiadis; Costanza, Arboleda, Dulanto, Cristiano; Kolovos, Addo, Thill; Traore, Yaxshiboyev, Castaneda.
PREDICTION
Real Madrid 3-0 Sheriff Tiraspol
