Champions League: Galatasaray vs Real Madrid preview and schedule

It's 18 degree Celsius in Turkey as of October 22 but Zinedine Zidane will be feeling the heat, as he takes his Real Madrid side to the Ali Sami Yen Spor Stadium on Tuesday night for a Champions League game. Real Madrid visit Galatasaray after a 1-0 defeat to Real Mallorca over the weekend in LaLiga. The defeat in the LaLiga means that Real Madrid's arch-rivals Barcelona have now overtaken Zidane's side to sit on top of the LaLiga table. 

Also Read | LaLiga 2019-20: Real Madrid's League Momentum Falls Against Mallorca

Champions League: Real Madrid facing injury issues

There's no doubting the fact that the mid-week visit to Turkey is a crunch fixture for Los Blancos. Real Madrid are currently bottom of their group in the Champions League, courtesy of a 3-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain and a 2-2 draw against Club Brugge at home. In a press conference before the game, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane stated that he wants to be at Real Madrid forever. That, however, may prove to be a tall order for the Frenchman after Real Madrid's inconsistent form in recent weeks. Zidane will be without the services of Gareth Bale and Lucas Vazquez. Former Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric is also out of the running to face Galatasaray in the Champions League. Zidane, however, will welcome Eden Hazard back into the side. The Belgian was on paternity leave during Real Madrid's defeat to Real Mallorca.  

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Zinedine Zidane is likely to call upon his tried and tested defence of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in the heart of defence, with Dani Carvajal and Marcelo expected to start alongside the two. Zidane, who has a 50 per cent win ratio since taking over in March, will be faced with a dilemma up front. Eden Hazard and Ballon d'Or nominee Karim Benzema are likely to start in attack for Los Blancos. However, who completes the attacking triumvirate for Real Madrid remains to be seen. Vinicius Jr. has flattered to deceive in recent fixtures, while Luka Jovic has also failed to find the net for Real Madrid since his debut. 

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Galatasaray, meanwhile, will be without the services of on-loan midfielder Mario Lemina. Striker Radamel Falcao also remains a doubt for the fixture, which could mean that Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim could find himself short of firepower for the fixture against the Spanish giants. Sofiane Feghouli is also a doubt for the fixture. However, Emre Mor has impressed in his absence for the Turkish side. A defeat against Galatasaray will mean that Zinedine Zidane's men will have to have face the reality of competing in the Europa League this season. The possibility of giving up their Thursdays could also prove to be one more nail in Zinedine Zidane's coffin, as Jose Mourinho and Massimiliano Allegri wait in the wings to replace the Frenchman. 

Also Read | LaLiga: Mallorca Vs Real Madrid Player Ratings As Real Lose 0-1

When to watch

12:30 AM (IST) kickoff

Where to watch

Sony Six, Sony Six HD