Real Madrid striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez is set to start alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in today’s decisive leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Mexico international, who is on-loan from Manchester United, has played a limited role with Madrid this season making only six starts prior to today’s match.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has thrust the Mexican striker into what is widely considered the most important game of Real Madrid’s season, following the news of injuries to Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.
Yesterday, it was learned that striker Karim Benzema was the third key member of the club to miss the crucial Champions League encounter. The France international was not able to overcome a knee problem and has been ruled out of the return leg.
Benzema joined midfielder Luka Modric and forward Gareth Bale on the sidelines. Modric will be out of action for six weeks due to knee ligament damage and Bale set to miss two to three weeks with an injured left calf.
The injury setbacks couldn’t come at a worse time for the club, with their Champions League quarter-final precariously poised at 0-0 heading into today’s crucial encounter at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid have not beaten Atletico Madrid in seven previous meetings this season – including a 4-0 thumping in La Liga back in February. The last time they defeated their city rivals was during the 2014 Champions League final in Lisbon.
Chicharito will lineup alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in what is expected to be a 4-4-2 formation for Real Madrid.
Although the on-loan striker has not featured much in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad this season, he still boasts a decent scoring record in 29 previous Champions League appearances for Manchester United.
The Mexico international has scored seven times during European competition, including several game-winning goals for United.
Programming note: Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid will be shown LIVE on Wednesday at 2:45pm EST on FOX Sports 1 and FoxSoccer2Go.
