Defending Champions Real Madrid can qualify for the knockout phase of the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League with a win at APOEL Nicosia on matchday five.


APOEL Nicosia vs Real Madrid
UEFA Champions League
Date: Tuesday, 21st November 2017
Kick-off Time 20:45 - Nigerian Time
Venue: Neo GSP Stadium (Nicosia).


APOEL are at the bottom of Group H table with 2 points from the pair of 1-1 draw against Dortmund. Meantime, they lost both first leg fixtures against Real Madrid and Tottenham by 0-3 margins.

Interestingly, the Cypriot club can still qualify for the knockout phase with wins in the remaining two fixtures, even-though it is unlikely. But, if they manage to pull out the surprise, they need Madrid to lose their remaining two games and Dortmund must win in one of their two.

Real Madrid are the team with more realistic chance to finish as runners up to Spurs this term.

The Spanish club have 7 points and three more points on Tuesday will send them through to the round of 16.

Besides, Zidane and co. cannot afford another sloppy display here.

TEAM NEWS:

Apoel Nicosia - Coach George Donis looks set to have a full team to pick from for this match at home to the two-time holders.

Real Madrid - Manager Zinedine Zidane will be without goalkeeper Keylor Navas once again, as well as winger Gareth Bale. Meanwhile, center midfielder Mateo Kovacic is closing in on a return. Sergio Ramos broke his nose and went off at half time, so he might not be risked here.

PREDICTED LINEUPS:

APOEL (4-2-3-1): Waterman; Vouros, Rueda, Merkis, Lago; Vinicius, Morais; Zahid, Ebecilio, Aloneftis; de Camargo

Real (4-3-1-2): Casilla; Hakimi, Varane, Nacho, Theo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Isco; Ronaldo, Benzema

Click the link to read more on Apoel Nicosia vs Real Madrid Match Preview and also see Other Today's UCL Fixtures: http://www.footballmole.com/2017/11/apoel-nicosia-vs-real-madrid-match.html

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