Verdict: Real Madrid win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Turning their attention back to Champions League action on Wednesday night, Real Madrid will welcome Juventus to the Bernabeu for a heavyweight European showdown.
Real Madrid
Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might have only got a new era underway over the summer following Xabi Alonso’s arrival in the Spanish capital, Los Blancos are clearly enjoying life under the former Bayer Leverkusen boss. Last seen over the weekend collecting a gritty 1-0 victory away at local foes Getafe, they have skyrocketed their way to the top of the La Liga standings. Last seen in Champions League action cruising their way to a routine 5-0 romp away at European debutants Kairat Almaty, Madrid are one of just six clubs who can boast a 100% start to proceedings. In fact, despite signing off September with a 5-2 drumming away at arch-rivals Atletico Madrid, Los Blancos have won each of their other 10 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
Real Madrid Team News
All still dealing with respective muscle injuries, Real Madrid will be unable to call upon the defensive quartet of Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal and summer recruit Trent Alexander-Arnold here. Making a full return against Getafe over the weekend, England ace Jude Bellingham should keep his spot from the start.
Bagging the winner on Sunday and now remarkably finding the net in all of his previous 11 consecutive appearances for club and country, French skipper Kylian Mbappe will lead the line in midweek. Although new arrival Dean Huijsen might have missed out over the weekend, the former Bournemouth defender could feature on Wednesday night.
Juventus
As for the visitors, while Juventus might have won all of their opening three Serie A showdowns when opening up the new campaign back in August, the Old Lady have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen over the weekend marking their return from October’s international break with a toothless performance as they slumped to a 2-0 loss away at Como, there could be some mounting pressure on Igor Tudor’s shoulders in Turin. Getting their Champions League adventure underway with consecutive stalemates against Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal, Juventus have failed to win any of their previous six outings across all fronts. Likewise, drawing back-to-back domestic blanks on either side of the fortnight interval, Wednesday’s guests look set for another monumental challenge here.
Juventus Team News
Dealing with what has become a stacked injury list in Turin, Juventus will travel to Madrid on Wednesday night without the likes of Arkadiusz Milik, Juan Cabral and Brazilian defender Bremer. Settling for a spot on the bench away at Como over the weekend, Serbian ace Dusan Vlahovic could be handed a full recall here.
Likewise, with Tudor potentially looking to make a handful of alterations on Wednesday night, USA international Weston McKennie could be start in the middle of the park. Former Newcastle defender Lloyd Kelly should be partnered alongside Daniele Rugani.
Real Madrid vs Juventus Key Factors to Consider
- When Real Madrid and Juventus met for a Club World Cup showdown over the summer, Los Blancos collected a 1-0 victory in Florida.
- Along with winning their last three appearances by an aggregate score of 9-1, Real Madrid have won nine of their 10 outings so far this season.
- Los Blancos are one of just six clubs who can boast a 100% start to their Champions League adventure.
- Juventus have failed to win any of their previous six consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- The Old Lady have drawn consecutive blanks for the first time since the middle of March.
Conclusion
Leading the chase at the top of the La Liga standings and enjoying a sensational start to life under Alonso’s guidance, Real Madrid will be looking to make another European statement here. Winning nine of their first 10 appearances across all competitions, Los Blancos will be confident of exploiting a Juventus squad who find themselves at the heart of a public crisis. Failing to win any of their previous six consecutive matchups and drawing back-to-back blanks for the first time since the middle of March, we are backing a home victory on Wednesday night.
Verdict: Real Madrid win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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