Three talking points ahead of Union Berlin vs Real Madrid | La Liga | OneFootball

The UEFA Champions League is back after a two-week hiatus and returns with a critical match-day where a lot stands to be decided. As the curtains rise on the night teams fight for their very survival in the competition, Real Madrid are faced with a trip to Germany to take on Union Berlin.

The last time the two teams met was back in September. On the night, the Germans pulled off a defensive masterclass to pile the pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s men and push for a draw.

Yet, their hope was crushed by a single moment of magic from Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid star-boy scored in the 94th minute of the game to break German hearts and hand them a defeat in the opening game of the season.

Madrid Universal brings you three talking points from Union Berlin vs Real Madrid.

Making amends

Real Madrid’s fixture at the weekend was tricky. Los Blancos were faced against Real Betis at Benito Villamarin and were made to work hard throughout the ninety minutes against the in-form hosts.

Ancelotti’s men did eventually get the lead through Jude Bellingham but Los Verdiblancos found a means to strike back with a jaw-dropping goal from distance. The play that followed saw both sides push high in attack for a winner, and it is safe to say that the draw was deserved.

As Ancelotti pointed out in his post-match press conference, the 1-1 result was not seen with very critical eyes by the management. Yet, it did have serious implications for the league standings.

Real Madrid’s hiccup at the weekend gave Girona the chance to take the sole lead in La Liga with a win over Barcelona. Michel’s men pulled off the result, and are thus the sole leaders by a whole two points after 16 match days.

If the draw teaches one lesson, thus, it would have to be the sheer perfection demanded in today’s world of football. Every point dropped can prove pivotal, for there is no room for error.

Los Blancos will thus look to return to winning ways tomorrow night. Taking on Union Berlin in the UEFA Champions League, the game provides them with the perfect platform to hit back and get back on song.

The final Matchday

Real Madrid are through to the UCL Ro16. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The Merengues have been simply unstoppable in the UEFA Champions League this season. Drawn alongside Napoli, SC Braga, and Union Berlin, it was not going to be easy for Ancelotti’s men, yet they sit comfortably at the top of the table.

Five matchdays into the UCL calendar, Real Madrid sit on a staggering 15 points. They have won all five of their group stage encounters so far, and in the process, have guaranteed their position as table-toppers.

Their lead over the second-placed Napoli is a staggering seven points, and that only goes to show their dominance in this year’s competition.

Tuesday night brings forth the team’s final challenge at this stage of the competition. The result is seemingly meaningless for the men in white from a qualification scenario, but they will be eager to make it six out of six at An der alten Forsterei in Berlin.

Rotations at the forefront

Having played less than 72 hours ago, the midweek clash comes very early for Real Madrid. That, coupled with the team’s already guaranteed qualification, places Ancelotti in a favourable position from a rotations standpoint.

One can thus expect wholesale changes from the manager on the night, beginning from the staff in goal. After a run of six strong games, Andriy Lunin will start on the bench on the night with Kepa Arrizabalaga taking his place as confirmed by the manager.

Antonio Rudiger is likely the man in defence who enjoys a hiatus. Nacho Fernandez should take the German star’s place in the lineup alongside David Alaba. Fran Garcia and Lucas Vazquez will take over as the full-backs.

Considering the deficit of resources in the middle of the park, Ancelotti could opt to hand young Nico Paz his first start for the senior team. The youngster has made a strong impression in his recent cameos and he could play on the left of the midfield-four.

The final rotation one can expect is the return of Joselu to the starting lineup. After all, Rodrygo deserves the rest after a hectic set of games, giving the Spanish striker a chance to prove his mettle on the big stage.