SM
Barcelona vs. Valencia: 7 hrs 53 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
CM
Champions League | Group Stage
Oct 2, 2018 at 8pm UK
 
RM

1-0

Vlasic (2')
FT(HT: 1-0)

A good time to play Real Madrid? Don't be so sure, says boss Lopetegui

:Headline: A good time to play Real Madrid? Don't be so sure, says boss Lopetegui: ID:337497: from db_amp
The European champions will take on CSKA Moscow without the likes of Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos.

Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has warned Champions League opponents CSKA Moscow his players are determined to return to winning ways.

Real followed up last week's shock 3-0 LaLiga defeat at Sevilla with a goalless draw against derby rivals Atletico on Saturday.

But Lopetegui insists Russian champions CSKA would be wrong to think his side are vulnerable when the two teams meet at the Luzhniki Stadium on Tuesday.

"If they're thinking that this is the best time to play us, we'll have to see about that," the Real head coach told a press conference.

"The players' mindset is excellent and we're really raring to go and excited for the game to get under way.

"We face a strong side on their own patch and there's no bigger motivation than that. When the Champions League hymn sounds, there's no better motivator."

Gareth Bale is not available for the trip to CSKA Moscow (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Real, behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona on goal difference, cruised to a 3-0 victory over Roma in their opening Group G game at the Bernabeu last month.

CSKA came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 in their opening match in the Czech Republic against Viktoria Plzen thanks to Nikola Vlasic's last-minute penalty and Lopetegui is expecting a stern challenge.

"We're up against some fine players and it'll be an extremely challenging game because this is the Champions League," he added.

"It'll be a really tough game against a side of real pedigree. They've got some top players, the likes of (Alan) Dzagoev, and they're sure to put in a big performance."

Lopetegui confirmed skipper Sergio Ramos would be rested, while Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Isco are all nursing injuries and unavailable.

But Lopetegui was coy about whether summer signings Alvaro Odriozola and Vinicius Junior, who made his debut as a late substitute at the weekend, will feature.

CSKA midfielder Dzagoev does not think Real will be any weaker without their injured stars.

"Madrid are a great club and they have enough players for two squads," he said.

"They have players capable of replacing those who stayed in Madrid. I don't think that'll make it any easier for CSKA."

CSKA boss Viktor Goncharenko paid tribute to goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, 32, who announced his retirement from international football on Monday after making 114 appearances for Russia.

"Speaking as a fan it's a shame, but speaking as a coach he'll be able to focus 100 per cent on CSKA," Goncharenko told a press conference.

"I hope we can give him some more easy games. He's in good shape and is at the right age to continue playing at the top."

amp_article__337497 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2018-10-01 20:00:45:
html db last update - 2021-02-28 16:49:33 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Alan Dzagoev

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2GironaGirona33225669402971
3Barcelona32217464372770
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia32138113534147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe331013104145-443
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12Sevilla33911134246-438
13AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca33614132739-1232
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz33414152346-2326
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .