Date: Wednesday, 24th April Venue: Signal Iduna Park K/o: 19:45
Team News
Borussia Dortmund have the advantage of being able to name a full strength lineup for tonight's visit of Real Madrid to Signal Iduna Park for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. The spotlight will be shining firmly on Mario Gotze tonight, after the midfielder agreed to join rivals Bayern Munich yesterday. Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan will likely start ahead of former Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin and club captain Sebastian Kehl in the middle of the park, with Jakub Blaszczykowski also preferred to Kevin Grosskreutz on the wing. Real Madrid have a few injury concerns ahead of tonight's clash. Marcelo is a doubt with a hamstring injury, meaning Fabio Coentrao will start at left back. Luka Modric and Karim Benzema are also nursing minor injuries and are both doubts. Alvaro Arbeloa is suspended, so Sergio Ramos will start at right back.
Key Stats
This two sides have met twice already in this season's competition. Each were paired together in the "Group of Death" which was won by Dortmund, who defeated Real 2-1 at home and drew 2-2 at the Bernabeu. There are two key facts for those of you looking for tips for your online betting ahead of the game: Dortmund are the only unbeaten team in this season's Champions League, and Real Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage by German opposition last season, thanks to a defeat by Bayern Munich. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 11 goals in the Champions League this season. He needs three more to match Lionel Messi's total from last year. (Goal.com)
Likely Line-Ups
Borussia Dortmund Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Suboti, Hummels, Schmelzer, Bender, Gündogan, Baszczykowski, Götze, Reus, Lewandowski Real Madrid López, Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Coentrão, Alonso, Khedira, María, zil, Ronaldo, Higuaín Now click "Next" for our Match Preview.