Real Madrid host Napoli in the first leg of their highly anticipated Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.
Here, we look at some key talking points ahead of the game.
Benzema or Morata?
Despite once again expressing his full support for misfiring striker Karim Benzema Tuesday, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane must surely be privately considering benching the out-of-form Frenchman, who has looked a shadow of his true self for much of the season.
Benzema has failed to score in his last six outings and has often failed to contribute much to general play, and with Alvaro Morata looking sharp in his appearances from the bench there’s every reason for Zidane to give the Spain international a chance.
Benzema.
Zidane’s midfield make-up
Zidane will also be pondering the makeup of his midfield, with Luka Modric and Casemiro the only certainties to start. Toni Kroos would normally fall into that category, but he has not played for two and a half weeks due to suspension and postponement, so will be rusty.
There’s also doubt over the fourth mem ber of midfield, with Lucas Vazquez, James Rodriguez and Isco all presenting strong cases. The decision will partly depend on whether Zidane opts for a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation.
Vazquez.
Madrid committed to defence?
Zidane rightly pointed out that keeping a clean sheet is a major boost in the home game of a two-legged tie, and he is understandably wary of a Napoli forward line which has been on fire this season.
But would Zidane really be happy for his team to adopt a defence-first approach at the Bernabeu on a big European night? And perhaps more to the point, would the home crowd accept it? The balance between defence and attack will not be an easy one to strike.
Zidane.
Can Napoli maintain their confidence?
A large part of Napoli’s success this season has been based upon their exuberant approach, which has allowed them to adopt a positive and attack-minded approach where they have feared nobody and always backed themselves to score goals.
Playing with such a free spirit at Bologna is very different to doing it at the Bernabeu, though, and tonight’s trip to one of the biggest stages in world football is a major test of Napoli’s nerve. If they can maintain their poise, they could do damage.
Hamsik (R) celebrates with teammates.
The touchline battle
The contest off the pitch will also be fascinating, and there could hardly be more of a contrast between Zidane and Napoli chief Maurizio Sarri. One was an all-time great as a player who is in just his second year as a coach, while the other never played professionally and spent 25 years slowly working his way up the managerial ladder before finally landing a big job with Napoli 18 months ago.
Sarri.
