Real Madrid and Tottenham matchup in a significant Champions League group stage match. They’re currently tied atop the group, and whoever grabs points this game will maintain control of the group for at least a couple of weeks, until these two play again in London.

Each have looked dominate in the group stage thus far. Dismantling APOEL and Borussia Dortmund, and each having identical goals conceded and scored. They’ve been twins so far, and this doesn’t feel like a game that ends in a draw. Both Tottenham and Real Madrid have plenty of goals in them.

What’s fascinating about this game is that it presents opportunity to both teams. Real Madrid have a chance to show up big in another huge game and shut down the ‘up and coming’ Tottenham. On the opposing side, Tottenham have a chance to make a big European statement of intent. After beating Dortmund, Spurs have a shot to take control of Group H, and prove to themselves they can compete with the European elite on a given night.

That may sound like an overreaction, but it really would be a big deal for Spurs to come into Madrid and prove they belong. The result may not matter as much as Tottenham proving go themselves and Europe that they can compete with the best in the world.

Tottenham last travelled to Madrid in 2011 in the Champions League quarterfinals. They lost 5-0 on aggregate and were outclassed from the moment they stepped on the pitch. For this to be different, they’ll need to maintain composure that they didn’t have in 2011.

Real Madrid have a real chance to shut that possibility down. They’re always up for big Champions League games and getting healthier as the season goes. The key absences for Real Madrid will be Gareth Bale, Dani Carvajal, and Mateo Kovacic. But they got help with the return of Karim Benzema over the weekend and Marcelo should get the start.

Predicted Starting XI

Tottenham

GK: Lloris

D: Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen

MF: Trippier, Dier, Winks, Son

F: Eriksen, Kane, Alli

Real Madrid

GK: Navas

D: Nacho, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo

MF: Casemiro, Isco, Kroos, Modric

F: Ronaldo, Benzema

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Date: 10/17/2017

Time: 20:45 CET, 02:45pm EST, 11:45am Pacific.

Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain.

Available TV: FOX Sports 2 (USA), BT Sport Extra (UK), Antena 3 (Spain).

Available Streaming: FOX Sports GO (USA), Fubo.TV (EVERY Real Madrid game with a high-quality and legal stream, click here to sign up and benefit from a summer discount for new members and Managing Madrid readers).

PREDICTION

Real Madrid 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur