Ronaldo threat will be Redknapp’s big worry
TOTTENHAM have shown they can score goals and I would expect them to play with their usual emphasis on attack in Spain, but if they can leave Madrid with a draw that will have to go down as a great result.
European sides might have fancied their chances at Real before, but not now that Jose Mourinho is in charge; he’s tried and tested in the Champions League.
It’s hugely disappointing that Gareth Bale is unlikely to be on top form. His appearances in recent weeks have been interrupted by injury, so even if he plays we surely won’t see him at his best. That’s a major blow for Spurs.
Real have a good balance to their team and numerous threats, not least Mesut Ozil who can open any defence. But the man Harry Redknapp will fear most is of course Cristiano Ronaldo – he’s proven his quality time and again and is not fearful of the big stage.
Finally, it’ll be interesting to see how Real react to their shock defeat to Sporting Gijon at the weekend. The danger is that, with the league title seemingly slipping away, they will be even more focused on the Champions League.
KNOW YOUR ENEMY: REAL MADRID
FORM
Real lie second in La Liga but lost their first home game of the season at the weekend. In Europe they’ve won four from four at the Bernabeu against Milan, Lyon, Auxerre and Ajax by an aggregate score of 11-0.
MANAGER
Jose Mourinho won this competition with Inter last year and made his name by masterminding Porto’s unlikely success in 2004. He also won the Uefa Cup in 2003 and is as shrewd as they come at this level.