Filed under: Tottenham, Champions League, Football, Match Previews
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: SANTIAGO BERNABEU, TUESDAY APRIL 5, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1945 BSTThis Champions League quarter-final clash has been billed as Jose Mourinho versus Harry Redknapp, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo versus Gareth Bale.
All of the protagonists have taken centre stage during the last week as the mind games started over the fitness of the two dazzling wingers and Tottenham defender William Gallas, with claim and counter-claim dominating the build-up.
Mourinho had ruled Ronaldo out of the first leg but he then softened his stance over the weekend, telling The Guardian newspaper: "If Cristiano Ronaldo plays against Tottenham it is because he and his coach have taken the decision to risk it.
"The medical staff have said that he cannot play....but maybe I will go over their heads."
Bale appears to be edging closer to full fitness after a hamstring injury ruled him out of Wales' European Championship qualifier against England.
Redknapp will be desperate to play the youngster who performed so well against Inter Milan earlier in the season, as he offers game-changing pace and can carry the ball from defence to attack within seconds.
After reaching this stage of the competition, both have the scent of glory. Spurs are playing in their biggest European game for nearly half a century, while Real have not reached this stage since 2004.
Form Guide: It would be fair to suggest both teams have been distracted by this fixture as their domestic form has suffered. Spurs could only manage a goalless draw against relegation-threatened Wigan. Mourinho's nine-year unbeaten record in home league games came to an end at the weekend when Real were defeated by Sporting Gijon in their last match.
Key Match-Up: Ricardo Carvalho v Peter Crouch: Apparently Carvalho enjoyed playing Crouch during his Chelsea days and, according to Spanish journalists, always fancied getting the better of the striker despite his height. Crouch has saved his best performances this season for European games and offers Spurs another option of attacking if they cannot pass through teams.
Odds: Real Madrid 2/5, Tottenham 15/2, Draw 7/2
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