Struggling Real Madrid face Viktoria Plzen at the Bernabeu tonight as they attempt to regain some form. Viktoria Plzen will be hoping key striker Michael Krmencik can take advantage of defensive vulnerabilities and add to his Champions League goal tally.
Can Viktoria Plzen Capitalise on Real Madrid’s Losing Streak?
Convincing Win Expected For Real Madrid
Real Madrid fans will be hopeful of a result tomorrow, despite a major goal drought. Scoring just once in 482 minutes is an alarming statistic for the defending champions. However, facing a small team such as Viktoria Plzen may just be the confidence boost Julen Lopetegui’s team needs.
Real Madrid are obvious clear favourites for the match and will hope to utilise their Champions League experience. To do this, though, they need to get their attacking players scoring again. The fact that Marcelo scored the only goal in the 2-1 loss and the first in four games highlights this need. The likes of Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale will be eager to regain some form and get on the score sheet.
If Madrid are victorious, it’ll be their first since a 1-0 win over Espanyol back in September. The long stretch without a win includes a 3-0 loss to Sevilla, a 1-0 loss against Alaves and, more shockingly, a 1-0 loss against CSKA in the Champions League last time out.
Everyone Loves an Underdog
This is where the fans of the Czech Republican side will gain some hope. Whilst it might be the best time for Madrid to face Viktoria Plzen, it may also be the best time for the away side to travel to Spain. Winning three out of their last five matches and sitting second in the league will give the side some confidence. Their most convincing win finished 5-1 against Vyskov two weeks back. Obviously, the class in opposition changes dramatically in the Champions League and they lost 5-0 to Roma last time.
They sit bottom of Group G with just a single point, which came from a 2-2 draw against CSKA Moscow after being two goals up. The man who grabbed the goals will be looking to be a team hero and secure some more points. Michael Krmencik is Plzen’s top goalscorer this season with seven goals. Julen Lopetegui has been criticised in recent weeks for his high defensive line, allowing teams to counter-attack. Krmencik will most likely be aware of this tactic and will use his pace to punish Real Madrid.
Viktoria Plzen Can Learn a Lot From CSKA Moscow
If Viktoria Plzen are to get anything from this game they need to observe and repeat how CSKA Moscow stole three points. They need their concentration levels to remain high throughout the game. If they switch off for a second, Bale and Asensio are likely to make them pay.
Playing five at the back will be the best option for Viktoria Plzen and rely solely on counter attacks and set pieces to try and grab a goal. CSKA were super disciplined and every player got behind the ball when needed. The attackers will play a key role in the outcome of the game, not just going forwards but coming back too. Just like CSKA, the strikers will have to work hard defensively to stop Real Madrid.
Real Madrid Should Come Out on Top
Overall, it is obvious to see that Real Madrid are clear favourites and will dominate possession of the ball. The fans should expect normal business to be resumed tomorrow and to see a handful of goals. However as recent events have shown, Madrid aren’t invincible and Viktoria Plzen have a better chance than ever of grabbing vital points as the Champions League group reaches the half way mark.
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