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Update, 20:01 CET: The big news coming out of Cyprus right now is that long-in-the-works CM Nuri Sahin will start for Real Madrid in the absence of Xabi Alonso in the midfield. This is a huge step for the Turkish phenom, whose season has been somewhat disappointing (but mostly unlucky) as he has been troubled by different injuries throughout the year. This is a medium-risk, high-reward move for Real Madrid coach José Mourinho, as Sahin's lack of game time could put him at a loss in a complicated match; at the same time, he could produce some of his trademark magic and win the game for Madrid. Only time will tell.
Real Madrid XI: Iker Casillas; Alvaro Arbeloa, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao; Nuri Sahin, Sami Khedira; Mesut Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuaín and Karim Benzema.
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Hey there MMers! By now, I'm sure you've read a little bit about Real Madrid's opposition tonight in the UEFA Champions League, the Cyprus-based APOEL. They're not a particularly great side, though they've eliminated some more powerful continental sides; this game, like many Champions' League fixtures in lesser-known places will be a mental more than a physical test for Real Madrid. Cypriot fans have not been kind to Cristiano Ronaldo in particular (just google "Portugal-Cyprus Ronaldo chants"), and will certainly be harsh on all of Real Madrid's players.
So have some fun, and don't get too relaxed: this is a good team with some amount of "destiny" on their side. It's never fun to go up against that--plus, as Dennis mentioned, they have nothing to lose in this competition any more. They're playing with house money, so to speak.
Stick around, check out the match, talk about it with your buddies here, and let's have a good time. This is the Champions' League, after all, and you're a fan of Real Madrid. So these events should be fun.
As always, follow MM on Facebook, and on Twitter @managingmadrid, for up-to-the-minute Real Madrid news and analysis. We'll also update this thread regularly. Hala Madrid!