Preview: Can Schalke earn some much needed respect in this match?
Real Madrid has an atrocious record in Germany; before this year, they had recorded only a solitary victory in Germany. A few weeks ago, they met Schalke 04 and absolutely hammered them in front of their fans. Rarely does a team as talented as Schalke concede six. Real made each pass look easier and prettier than the preceding one. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale both enjoyed great nights.
As a result, we have come to the point where Klaas Jan Huntelaar’s goal is the only positive for Schalke. They have very important matters to focus on in the Bundesliga. They are looking to return to the UEFA Champions League next season. Also, they want to qualify automatically rather than come through the play-offs, especially as they appeared slightly shaky in this season’s play-offs.
The “Hunter”, as the Dutch strike is lovely called, was in great form as he helped Schalke beat Augsburg 1-2. The Royal Blues will want to salvage some pride. Nonetheless, Jens Keller will want to protect his best players for the next Bundesliga match. Three points during the weekend is much more vital than a rather pointless (rendered pointless one should say by Schalke’s ineptitude in the first leg) UEFA Champions League match.
Marco Höger, Christian Clemens, Christian Fuchs, Jan Kirchoff and Dennis Aogo are all out for Schalke. Atsuto Uchida and Jefferson Farfan are doubtful. For Real, Sami Khedira is out for almost the entire season. Alvaro Arbeloa is also out injured. Karim Benzema is doubtful. Real might choose to rest their regulars for more important matches ahead. Their fans are demanding though and will expect nothing less than an entertaining performance at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, one should not be surprised if this spins out into a rather dull 0-0 draw. After all, football at the highest level involves prioritizing, does it not?
Where to watch the match: Live Streams, Live Scores, Start Times, TV Channels:
Watch Real Madrid vs Schalke 04 live on Tuesday, March 18, 2014:
In Canada at 15:45 ET on Sportsnet World, Sportsnet World Online
In the UK at 19:45 GMT on Sky Sports Events Centre, Sky Sports Red Button, Sky Sports 1/HD
In the USA at 15:45 ET on SiriusXM FC, Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Deportes, TV3, Fox Sports 2 USA, Fox Soccer 2Go
Internationally on TV3
Viewers in Germany can tune into Sky Sport 2 Germany to watch the match amongst other networks.
For the complete TV listings and live scores upon kick-off, visit the Real-Schalke match page.
