Evening all! Our Champions League coverage continues this evening as Real Madrid welcome Italian champions Juventus to the Bernabeu. Madrid have lived up to their billing as the group favourites with two wins from two matches thus far, but Juventus have struggled to draws against Copenhagen and Galatasaray.

So there we have it. No Gareth Bale in the Madrid XI this evening, but Iker Casillas does return in goal. There are also starts for Pepe, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, who is preferred to young striker Alvaro Morata. Juventus, meanwhile, continue with Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez in attack. There are also starts for Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo in midfield.

In total, the two sides have clashed 14 times – all in the European Cup. Home advantage has proved key in those particular matches with Madrid’s record won five and lost two, while Juventus have won five and lost one on their home patch. Another three points for the home side this evening would place them in total control of this particular section.

Madrid have not had it all their own way against Juventus in this stadium, however. The two sides met in the group stage of the 2008-09 Champions League, when Juventus were 2-0 winners in the Spanish capital courtesy of a double from Alessandro del Piero. The Italian outfit were also 2-1 winners on their own patch in the reverse game.

The two sides also met in the 1998 final, when a strike from Predrag Mijatovic secured the trophy for Real Madrid, ending their 32-year wait for their seventh European crown in the process. Much has changed at both clubs since then, but their drive for silverware has not. Carlo Ancelotti will be expected to deliver a 10th European Cup for Madrid this season.

Juventus have not been too impressive in their visits to Spain. In total, the Italian outfit have lost 12 of their 19 visits, winning just three times in the process. However, Juve have come out on top overall on the last three occasions that the two clubs have been paired together. Recent history suggests that they should enter this match full of confidence.

Madrid, meanwhile, will be able to call upon a strong home record against teams from Italy. Overall, their record reads won 21, drawn two and lost six of their 29 matches against Serie A opposition. However, the 2008 defeat to Juventus was the second of Madrid’s three successive home defeats against Italian visitors within 19 months.

Madrid are also unbeaten in their last 13 home matches in the Champions League – winning 11 times and scoring 43 goals in the process. The Spanish outfit have also scored in each of their last 27 matches in the competition, a run that stretches back until April 2011, when they failed to find the back of the net against Barcelona.

What’s more, Madrid have won more games than any other club in the history of the Champions League – 107 since 1992. They have also scored 10 times in the Champions League this season, which is the current highest total. That suggests that Juventus will have to score at least once this evening to stand a chance of taking something from the match.

It wouldn’t be right to mention Madrid without naming a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese likes the Champions League – what competition doesn’t he like – having scored 26 times in his last 21 matches in this competition. He is also the top scorer this season with five goals and is fourth in the all-time scorers list with 56 strikes. Not bad!

As mentioned, Los Blancos have won both of their Group B matches this season. They opened with a thumping 6-1 win in Galatasaray, before putting four past Danish outfit Copenhagen at home. Currently, they sit top of the section, four points clear of Juventus. Another three points this evening would all but secure their qualification for the next stage.

However, it hasn’t been quite a simple in La Liga this season. They have won seven of their nine matches, drawing one and losing one. Hardly disastrous, but they are third in the table, two points behind Atletico Madrid (who won in the Bernabeu) and three behind Barcelona, who they face in the Camp Nou this weekend.

Juventus, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency in the Champions League this season. They opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw in Copenhagen, before drawing 2-2 with Galatasaray in Turkey. They are second in the group, but have just two points. Defeat this evening could see them drop to third depending on Group B’s other result.

Like Madrid, Juventus are also third in their domestic table. They enter the match off the back of a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Fiorentina in Serie A at the weekend, but they have won six of their eight matches this season. Roma’s stunning form at the start of the season, however, sees the current champions five points off the pace.

At a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said the following: “We have to analyse all aspects of Juve's last game, every minute and not just the 15 minutes when they struggled. Juventus in general have many players with a lot of quality. Arturo Vidal is very important, he can score and move about the pitch well. He has shown his quality. Individuals aside, though, their overall strength lies in their organisation. They are strong on the break and in Pirlo they have someone with extraordinary ability.”

Meanwhile, Juve boss Antonio Conte said: “We respect Real, but we don't fear them. We'll cross the white line aware of our strength. Madrid are arguably one of the most ambitious teams. We're facing a club that really want this title, because of their history and their hunt for a tenth European Cup. I think it will be a nice challenge for us to go and compete with them at the Santiago Bernabeu, as well as at home. It will tell us how well our development is going."

PREDICTION: Juventus might be second in Group B, but defeat this evening would leave them in a difficult position in the group. Antonio Conte has named an attacking lineup this evening, which could play into the hands of Real Madrid. A case can be made for the away side, but I expect the Spanish outfit to claim all three points in a narrow win.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. That wonderful Champions League music erupts around this famous stadium. Let's hope that the match lives up to the pre-match billing. Juve get the action underway in the Spanish capital.

Not too much to report in the opening couple of moments with Madrid taking control of the possession. Juve do attempt to break forward with Pogba moments later, but Arbeloa is across to make the challenge. It will be interesting to see how expressive the away side are this evening.

Early opportunity for the away side as Marchisio collects possession outside the box before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but Casillas is across to make the save. Moments later, Madrid clear the resulting corner before breaking down the other end, but Pogba is across to sweep up in midfield. Good tempo to the opening four minutes of this Champions League clash.

Madrid take the lead inside five minutes as Di Maria slides a beautiful pass towards Ronaldo, who rounds the goalkeeper before sliding his effort into the back of the net. That is his 56th Champions League goal. Stunning start from the home side.

You just get the feeling that Juve cannot afford to fall two goals behind with Madrid in this sort of form. The Italian outfit do attempt to force the issue down the other end as Tevez collects possession outside the box, but Arbeloa is cross to clear. Chiellini takes a chance down the other end, but the Italian manages to win a goal kick from Di Maria.

Wonderful defending from Chiellini as the Italian defender takes possession away from Di Maria, who had a lot of open ground inside the Juventus half. Not too much to report in terms of chances since the opener, but Madrid are in control of the possession. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening.

First free kick in Ronaldo range for the home side as Chiellini, who has been heavily involved thus far, fouls the Portuguese. Ronaldo steps away surprisingly, allowing Di Maria to dink a cross into the box, but Pogba is on hand to clear the danger. The pressure remains with Ramos, but his bicycle kick is into the arms of Buffon.

Juventus have not been allowed to settle in the opening 14 minutes with the home side pressing well in midfield. We have seen little from Tevez and Llorente thus far, but Pogba has been involved in the final third. A deep cross comes into the Madrid box from Ogbonna moments later, but Casillas is out to clear with a positive punch.

Juventus have a half-chance from a free kick as Pirlo is felled outside the box. The Italian midfielder stands over the set piece, he feeds Marchisio, but his low cross is cleared by Pepe. Tevez has a sight of goal moments later, but he can only curl his effort wide of the post. Much better from the Italian outfit.

Best spell of the match for the away side as they continue to force the issue with a series of high balls into the box. However, the likes of Ramos and Pepe have been solid in defence thus far. Tevez has another strike from outside the box moments later, but his effort is wide of the post. Not too much from Madrid as an attacking sense since they took the lead.

Madrid have just slowed down the match in the last couple of moments with the likes of Modric and Khedira seeing more of the ball. Di Maria is involved in a wide area moments later as he beats his full back before driving to the edge of the box, but Barzagli manages to clear.

CHANCE! It's brilliant from Tevez as the Argentine drops his shoulder before showing Arbeloa a clean pair of heels, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Tevez looks the most likely for Juve, with Llorente struggling to get into the match. In fairness, they are not paying to the latter's strengths at the moment.

What was I saying about Llorente?! He has not had a kick thus far, but he levels on the night. Casillas did well to keep a header from Pogba out, but the Spanish international was on hand to tap home from close range. We are all square here.

Terrible defending from the home side, with Arbeloa allowing Pogba to rise unmarked inside the box. It has been a positive response from the away side, with Madrid struggling to get the likes of Benzema and Modric into the match. Ronaldo, meanwhile, appears to have a slight problem with his wrist.

Another half-chance for the away side as Pogba strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Llorente is seeing much more of the ball at the moment with the away side firing high balls into the Spaniard. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about at the moment, with Juve forcing the issue with a number of set pieces.

Ronaldo scores his second of the match from the spot as he slots into the corner of the net. Crazy decision from Chiellini, who pulled Ramos to the ground inside the box. What on earth was the Juventus defender doing? Ronaldo already has seven goals in the Champions League.

Juventus continue to impress in possession as they force the issue in the Madrid half, but the second for Ronaldo has taken the wind out of their sails. It has been a stunning 31 minutes of football in the Spanish capital. This score could be anything this evening there is no doubt about that.

Half-chance for the home side to score their third as Ronaldo collects possession in a wide area before finding Di Maria, but the Argentine's low cross is cleared by Caceres. Juve are down the other end with Pogba moments later, but it breaks down just outside the box. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Pirlo to level as it falls for the Italian inside the box, but he can only fire high and wide of the crossbar from close range. You just get the feeling that this Madrid defence will give Juve chances this evening. Tevez has another effort from outside the box, but Casillas makes the save.

Gareth Bale is being put through his paces on the side of the pitch, which is an indication that we could see the Welshman in the second period. Neither side is really in control of the match at the moment with each exchanging periods with the ball. Juventus are unlucky to be trailing at this stage of the match there is no question about that.

Juventus continue to pass and probe outside the Madrid box with Pirlo and Pogba seeing plenty of the ball, but they are finding it difficult to play that final pass into the Madrid box. Carlo Ancelotti will be more than happy to get his team in at half time with a 2-1 lead. However, Juventus have other ideas as they continue to attack.

CHANCE! Chance for Ronaldo to score his third of the evening as he collects possession from Di Maria before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Better from the home side in the final couple of minutes in the first period.

Slight problem for Vidal here as the Juventus midfielder goes down in a challenge with Marcelo, but it does appear that he will be fit to continue. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Entertaining first period in the Spanish capital.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Real Madrid leading 2-1. Ronaldo opened the scoring inside five minutes, before Llorente levelled for Juve after 23 minutes. The home side were back ahead five minutes later, however, when Ronaldo converted from the spot. Arguably, Juventus have been the better team thus far.

STATISTICS: The home side have just shaded the possession with 51%, but they have managed just four attempts to Juventus' eight - four of which have been on target. Tevez has looked the most likely for the Italian side, while Pogba has been very impressive in the middle of the park. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.

BENCH WATCH: Gareth Bale's warm-up towards the end of the first period suggested that we could see the Welshman sooner rather than later. Madrid also have attacking options in the shape of Isco and Alvaro Morata in reserve. Juve, meanwhile, could call upon the likes of Giovinco, Isla and Asamoah in the second period.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, the home side are moving onto nine points in Group B. In the group's other fixture, Galatasaray lead Copenhagen 3-0. No changes for either side at the interval as Madrid get the second period underway.

Not too much to report in the early stages of the second period, but Juventus have taken control of the possession. Pogba threatens to beat Casillas to the ball inside the Madrid box moments later, but the goalkeeper manages to clear the danger. I would be astounded if we did not see more goals in the second period.

Juve are reduced to 10 men as Chiellini is adjudged to have elbowed Ronaldo in the face. In truth, it was a harsh decision. It was foul, maybe a yellow, but it did not deserve a red. That is a killer blow for the Italian side here.

The resulting free kick is taken by Ronaldo, but his effort is straight into the wall. Juventus had started the second half in positive fashion, but now they must play the remaining 40 minutes with 10 men. Oh how matches can change in one instant.

Juve make their first change of the match as Bonucci replaces Llorente. Tactical change for the away side. Madrid continue to force the issue as Di Maria drives a dangerous cross into the box, but Benzema cannot make proper contact. The resulting corner comes in from Modric, but Benzema once more cannot direct his effort towards goal.

Suddenly it is all one-way traffic with the home side dominating possession of the ball, but Juventus are still a threat with Pogba buzzing around in midfield. It would not be a surprise to see Carlo Ancelotti introduce Gareth Bale as the match continues to become stretched. Little over 35 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.

Juventus just cannot get out of their own half at the moment with Benzema, Di Maria and Ronaldo all enjoying the ball in the final third. Some respite does arrive as Pirlo exchanges passes with Ogbonna in the middle of the park, but it quickly breaks down. Still 2-1 to Madrid in the Spanish capital.

Vidal has to be careful here as the Juventus midfielder dives into a challenge with Marcelo, which is not clever having already been booked. The resulting free kick allows Ronaldo to strike one from outside the box, but his effort causes on harm to Buffon. Meanwhile, the away side are preparing to make their second change of the evening.

Juve do indeed make their second change as Pirlo is replaced by Asamoah. Standing ovation for Pirlo from the Madrid supporters, which is nice to see. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, with Madrid going through the motions. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Benzema as the Frenchman is found by Di Maria inside the box, but somehow he fires his effort wide of the post. What an incredible miss from the former Lyon forward. He would be the obvious replacement if Bale was introduced.

Juventus want a penalty as Vidal goes down inside the box, but the referee is not interested. Rightly so, the Chilean kicked the ground! Tevez was also appealing. That is quite incredible. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match.

Here he comes. Bale is introduced as the Welshman enters the field for Benzema, who has struggled once more this evening. It seems the obvious change to make with the way that the match is opening up. The former Spurs attacker has the best part of 20 minutes to make an impact. However, Juventus will have other ideas as they attempt to play their way through midfield once more.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of late challenges. The latest set piece arrives for Juventus, but a free kick is awarded as Ramos is felled inside his own box. In truth, neither side has really looked like scoring in the second period. The red card changed the entire tempo of the match.

Attacking change for Juventus as Giovinco replaces Ogbonna. Striker for a defender with little under 20 minutes of football remaining. Antonio Conte has played all three of his cards this evening, but Real Madrid have two permitted changes remaining. Not too much from Bale thus far with the football being played in midfield.

Madrid make their second change of the evening as Illarramendi is replaced by Isco for the final 15 minutes or so. The home side continue to dominate the possession in the Juve half, but the away side are still a threat on the counter. Khedira has a half-chance for Madrid as he drives into the box, but he chips straight into the arms of Buffon.

Half-chance for the home side as Di Maria drives down the right before delivering a cross towards Ronaldo, but it just would not fall for the Portuguese. Ronaldo does find Marcelo on the edge of the box, but he curls his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Still 2-1 to the home side as we enter the latter stages of this Champions League clash.

First real involvement for Bale as the Welshman collects possession down the right before driving into the box, but his effort is into the side netting. It was a different angle. Juventus have a period of possession moments later, but it comes to nothing as Giovinco is challenged outside the box. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.

Madrid make their third and final change of the evening as Di Maria is replaced by Morata. That is a change with Saturday in mind. I would be surprised if Di Maria did not start alongside Ronaldo and Benzema at the weekend. A free kick arrives for Juve moments later, but Giovinco's effort is straight into the wall.

Juventus continue to push forward with Tevez playing on the shoulder of Ramos, but the final pass has not been there in the second period. Madrid are back down the other end moments later with Bale, but the Welshman chooses to come inside and keep possession. Juventus are having to dig deep here.

Real chance for the away side as Giovinco finds some space inside the Madrid box before turning two defenders, but Ramos just manages to block at the vital moment. The Italian has made a difference there is no question about that. Madrid break down the other end with Marcelo moments later, but Pogba is across to claim. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining.

Half-chance for Morata as the Madrid youngster collects possession outside the box before attempting to curl one into the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Have Juventus got anything left?! I suspect that there will be at least three minutes of additional time at the end of the 90.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. The additional time has not gone down well with the home supporters, who are certainly nervous. Juventus continue to pass and probe outside the box, but they just cannot find that telling pass. Little over one minute for Madrid to hold onto the three points.

So there we have it. Real Madrid move onto nine points in Group B with a 2-1 win over 10-man Juventus. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around the site for all the reaction. Good evening!