1. How badly will Real miss Bale and Modric?
REAL MADRID SUFFERED a blow at the weekend with news that injuries picked up by Gareth Bale and Luka Modric in their 3-1 win over Malaga would mean they missed this week’s crucial Champions League match against rivals Atletico.
Modric, in particular, is a highly influential player for Real. Indeed, it’s hardly a coincidence that a previous injury suffered by the Croat was a followed by a sudden loss of form by Carlo Ancelott’s side.
That said, the Spanish team aren’t exactly short of high-quality backup, with James Rodriguez and Javier Hernandez potentially playing in attack alongside Ronaldo, as was the case when Bale went off injured after just three minutes on Saturday night.
On the other hand, Ancelotti could revert to a 4-4-2, which many Real fans have been demanding, as they prepare to face Atletico — who they have failed to beat in their last seven meetings — on Wednesday.
2. Can Bayern join a select group?
There is no doubt Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich are up against it as they prepare for the second leg against a Porto side that earned an impressive 3-1 victory against them in their initial encounter.
Their extensive injury list has led to the club doctor resigning, after he was blamed in some quarters for the Germans’ first-leg defeat.
And to make matters worse, they suffered another injury at the weekend against Hoffenheim, as left-back Juan Bernat hobbled off gingerly.
Bayern prepare to face the Portuguese side knowing that history is not in their favour – since the Champions League began, only seven teams have successfully overturned a two-goal deficit or worse.
However, Guardiola’s men are invariably a formidable force in the Allianz Arena, as they illustrated in their 7-0 last-16 thrashing over Shakhtar Donetsk last month.
3. Is there any hope for PSG?
(Ibrahimovic is expected to return for PSG tonight)
Like Bayern, PSG must overcome a two-goal first-leg defecit, but their situation is entirely different in many ways, as the reigning French champions must travel to the Nou Camp against the side that many consider to be the best in the competition.
They are at least bolstered by the return of 33-year-old star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while highly rated 22-year-old midfielder Marco Verratti is also available once again.
Yet PSG progressing would still constitute a major shock, as they must score at least three goals away to a Barca side that boast what is, statistically, one of the best defences in Europe.
However, as manager Laurent Blance has noted in the pre-match press conference, PSG will be buoyed by the fact that they have little to lose, while they have already caused one big upset this year — few would have backed them to outplay Chelsea with 10 men at Stamford Bridge.
4. Who will thrive in the battle of the mean defences?
Not many people tipped Monaco versus Juventus to be a goal-fest, and therefore, it was hardly a surprise when the Italians secured a slender 1-0 first-leg advantage.
Juventus have one of the best records in Europe in terms of a lack of goals conceded, while Monaco let in just one goal in the entire group stage this year.
So expect Wednesday night’s encounter to be a similarly cagey affair, as Juve travel to play the side that’s arguably the worst remaining team on paper in the competition.
The Ligue 1 side’s chances could be set to improve, however, with news that Arturo Vidal could miss the game after suffering tonsilitis.
The Chile international was excellent in the fist leg, with his goal from the penalty spot capping an impressive, dominant display.
5. Ronaldo and Messi set to continue personal duel
One of football’s greatest rivalries — Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi — will continue this week.
Rarely, if ever, have two such brilliant players enjoyed sustained periods of brilliance in conjunction with one another — there is even now a website set up comparing their similarly phenomenal stats.
This week, a strike from either could make history. Currently both on 75 goals overall, they each have a chance to become the record scorer in European Cup history.
And while Barca already look all but through against PSG, Ronaldo will presumably have more pressing concerns on his mind, as he bids to inspire Real Madrid to beat rivals Atletico for the first time in eight attempts.
