27 September 2021, 10:24 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The UEFA Champions League Group D fixture, Real Madrid CF vs. Sheriff Tiraspol, kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Tuesday, September 28 at the Santiago Bernabéu. Referee Lawrence Visser (BEL) will be in charge, while Rien Vanyzere (BEL) and Thibaud Nijssen (BEL) will be assisting. Clément Turpin (FRA) will be the Video Assistant Referee.
Preview Real Madrid Champions League, Sep 28, 2021
Preview Real Madrid returns to UEFA Champions League action after Saturday’s goalless draw in the Spanish La Liga match against Villarreal. On Matchday 1, Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan by a solitary goal from Rodrygo (89’) with a minute left on the clock. Los Blancos remain unbeaten in five games across all competitions, WWWWD, and on Tuesday, Carlo Ancelotti will try to extend the white patch when his side faces the UEFA Champions League debutants, FC Sheriff Tiraspol. Ancelotti’s probable 4—3—3 formation could see Benzema in the middle while Vinicius appears on the left. Eden Hazard is expected back in the starting lineup and could force Rodrygo, who started in the game against Villarreal on the right, back to the bench. With 8 goals and 7 assists in LaLiga, red-hot-form Karim Benzema is at the top of Madrid’s goal scorers and assists chart, while having a hand in 71% of all episodes that have led to a Madrid goal in the league. Riddled with injuries, Madrid will be without Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, and Marcelo for this game against Sheriff. Gareth Bale and Ferland Mendy are also in doubt for this fixture, which happens to be the first-ever meeting between both sides and the first encounter between opponents from both countries in the star-studded circle of champions.
Preview Sheriff Champions League, Sep 28, 2021
Preview The UEFA Champions League debutants, FC Sheriff Tiraspol, cemented their historical entry into the circle of champions with a 2-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Matchday 1. Goals from Adama Traore (16’) and Momo Yansane (62’) separated both sides at the final whistle. FC Sheriff Tiraspol remain unbeaten in five games across all competitions: WWDWW and are at the top of Group D with 3 points and a G.D. of +2 after 1W, 0D & 0L. Yuriy Vernydub will aim for at least a point at the end of this trip to the Santiago Bernabéu, considering the next UCL fixture will be against Inter Milan. The 55-year-old could line up with the 4—2—3—1 formation, having Momo Yansane at the top of the shape. The 24-year-old has scored four goals in as many appearances in the domestic league and remains the club’s top scorer. With the exception of Lovro Bizjak, who is sidelined with a foot injury, Vernydub will have a fully fit squad available ahead of this UCL Matchday 2 fixture.