Real Madrid take on Viktoria Plzen on Matchday 3 of the Champions League group stage. Madrid sit second in the group behind CSKA Moscow while Plzen are bottom with a solitary point. The Spaniards are currently on a dismal run of form with no wins in their last five games. This has left boss Julien Lopetegui under immense pressure. While they are looking unlikely to qualify, Viktoria Plzen will be looking to cause a huge upset in Spain. With the form Madrid are in, an upset is a definite possibility.
Viktoria Plzen Could Cause an Upset Against Real Madrid
The Form
Real Madrid are currently in a dismal run of form. A 2-1 defeat at home to Levante has now left them in sixth place. Their goal on Saturday was their first for four games, leaving the Galacticos ruing their sale of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer. Manager Julien Lopetegui will be hoping for an upturn in form. There are reports that he faces the sack soon should this form continue. If he is sacked, it appears former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is in line to replace him.
Viktoria Plzen have had a slightly better fortune in their league campaign so far. After 12 games they currently lie second in the table. The Czech side have one defeat in their last five league games. While they are the form side going into the game, the quality between the retrospective league does show. Plzen were emphatically between 5-0 by AS Roma in their last Champions League outing.
Key Players
Gareth Bale could be influential for Madrid. The Welshman – currently in his fifth season at The Bernabeu – has taken over from Ronaldo as Madrid’s star man. He is their top scorer this season with four goals, alongside striker Karim Benzema. He will feature on the wing for Madrid, but much of the play will go through either himself or Isco.
Many of the Plzen players will not be known by English fans. Striker Michael Krmenčík will be key for the Czech side. He has seven goals in 12 games so far in his league campaign and also got both goals in their 2-2 draw with CSKA Moscow. Acting primarily as a target man, it could be a long night for him in the Bernabeu.
Verdict
A win for Real Madrid should be expected here, but a Plzen win or them coming away with a point would not be surprising. Madrid’s bad run of form seems to be toppling them and the visitors should try to capitalise.
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