Real Madrid v Ajax: Preview and possible line-ups

TEAM NEWS

Real Madrid

Given that he did not feature against Barcelona on the weekend, Lucas Vazquez looks likely to feature on the wing, with Gareth Bale most likely to be dropped after his disappointing performance against Barcelona.

Manager Santiago Solari will most likely opt for the same midfield trio that started on the weekend, meaning Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro will all start, as should striker Karim Benzema. Sergio Ramos will miss out due to the infamous suspension he received in the first leg tie, meaning Nacho will partner Raphael Varane at the back. 

Ajax

Dusan Tadic started as the main striker in the first leg of this tie, a role he may well reprise here, with Kasper Dolberg an option from the bench. Frenkie de Jong should start alongside Lasse Schone in central midfield, while the in-demand Matthijs de Ligt will partner former Manchester United defender Daley Blind in central defence. 

MANAGERS' THOUGHTS

Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari on the game and Sergio Ramos' yellow card:

"We are prepared, we know that the team is used to these types of matches and know the importance of competing in them."

"I wouldn't understand how [Ramos could feel responsible], for the moment I'm just sorry he isn't playing because he's a leader. However, we have other players with experience and quality to come in."

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag on the influence of Guardiola on his team and the clash with Madrid:

"I learned a lot from Guardiola. His philosophy is sensational, what he did in Barcelona, Bayern and now with Manchester City, that attacking and attractive style sees him win a lot."

"It's this structure that I've tried to implement with Ajax. We'll try to shorten the gap between us and them [Real Madrid], they remain the favourite to win it as they were when the draw was made."

FORM GUIDE

DID YOU KNOW?

Ajax haven't progressed from a Champions League knock-out tie since 1997, when they prevailed against Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid have reached the Champions League semi-finals in each of the past eight seasons.

Juventus were the last team to beat Real Madrid in a knock-out stage tie, back in the 2014-15 semi-finals.

POSSIBLE LINE-UPS

Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Reguilon; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; Vinicius, Benzema, Lucas

Ajax: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Blind, Tagliafico; De Jong, Schone; Neres, Van de Beek, Ziyech; Tadic.