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Given that Borussia and Manchester City have 4 and 1 point respectively, a draw in Germany wouldn’t be a bad result for Real Madrid. Essien and Varane look set to start yet another game after their brilliant display against Celta. Two playmakers out of Modric, Kaká or Özil will need to remain on the bench due to Di María and Khedira’s likely return to Real Madrid’s starting lineup.
In Dortmund’s front, Ilkay Gündogan has confirmed he doesn’t have many chances to start the match against Real Madrid. If he’s finally out, Sven Bender should get the start alongside Sebastian Kehl.
Mario Götze, Robert Lewandowski and Marco Reus are Borussia’s most dangerous threats. All three of them are in shape and ready to start, so the key to the game will be on whether Madrid’s provisional defensive line will be able to hold up Dortmund’s youngsters.
But Real Madrid should have the edge against Lukasz Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels and Kevin Großkreutz, who is ready to start in the German team’s leftback with the absence of Schmelzer.
Mourinho’s team will receive Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabéu in the next Champions League fixture, so it’s important for both teams to get a positive outcome out of the Westfalenstadion. If Ajax prevents Manchester City from getting two consecutive wins against them, Dortmund and Real Madrid would already be on the road to the Champions League’s 1/8 Round.
It’s always very hard to get away with a win from Dortmund’s pitch. The enthusiastic crowd always gives a bust and Dortmund’s style of play fires up the crowd as well. If Real Madrid manages to play smart emotionally speaking, the Spanish team should get at least a draw that would allow them to play with more confidence against the German team in the Santiago Bernabéu.