Danger: Madrid hoping to avoid fourth straight Bernabeu defeat vs. Ajax
Los Blancos have lost three on the spin at home heading into Champions League tie
No Copa and No Liga. Real Madrid's season once again rests on Champions League success. After three consecutive losses at the Santiago Bernabeu, they welcome Ajax on Tuesday with a 2-1 lead from the first leg. The Dutch side, though, will look to follow the example set by recent visitors to the Bernabeu, Girona and Barcelona. They will have to be brave but they are motivated to provide the competition with a shock against the current champions.
Lacking ruthlessness in attack, Real Madrid's can't be accused of a poor attitude. But there are players out of form and the squad is goal shy. Winning titles without goals is difficult. Especially in Europe. Ajax are fresh and will play without pressure. They're a team of young players looking to make their way in the world of football. But form has deserted them recently. Seven games without losing at home has become three consecutive defeats.
Santiago Solari will be without the suspended Sergio Ramos and the injured Marcos Llorente. Nacho Fernandez will come into the back four for Ramos. Out of form Gareth Bale may be on the bench again, with Lucas Vazquez preferred alongside Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior. Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will continue in midfield, while Sergio Reguilon should keep his place ahead of Marcelo.
Ajax coach Ten Haag has had a free weekend to prepare his players for the game. He is set to name the same side as the first leg, with Tadic as a false nine.
