The Real Madrid lineup that should start against Liverpool
By Mitch Wilks
A return to form has seen Real Madrid fire themselves back into contention in the La Liga title race.
Focus shifts away from the domestic competition this week, however, as they welcome Liverpool to the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano for the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday night.
Zinedine Zidane's side have experience of overcoming the Reds in Europe when it matters most, beating them 3-1 in the 2018 Champions League final. Things have changed since then, though, namely Madrid no longer having Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale around, and Liverpool not having Loris Karius in goal.
Needing to make good on the home advantage in the first leg, here's who could start for Los Blancos.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - 12 league clean sheets so far and has only missed one game all season for Real Madrid. Thibaut Courtois is proving vital these days.
Raphael Varane (CB) - Rested at the weekend, the Frenchman will return and has a huge part to play with no Sergio Ramos in the side.
Nacho Fernandez (CB) - Approaching ten years with the club, Nacho has become a dependable figure for Zidane this season.
Eder Militao (CB) - The 23-year-old has a chance to stake his claim in a huge game that will be watched by many. With Ramos out, now is the chance for Eder Militao to find a run of form.
2. Wing-backs & midfielders
Lucas Vasquez (RWB) - Real's utility man has been key with the use of a back-three system this season, and will likely occupy a wing-back role again in a big game.
Luka Modric (CM) - At 35, Luka Modric continues to operate as one of the most creative and efficient midfielders in Europe. Liverpool will have trouble trying to keep him quiet.
Casemiro (DM) - Sitting at the base of the midfield, the Brazilian will play a key role in keeping things tight and setting the tempo for Los Blancos.
Toni Kroos (CM) - The German was rested against Eibar at the weekend after returning from injury, thus is raring to go and ready to drop a masterclass against the Reds.
Ferland Mendy (LWB) - Bagged a fine goal in the round of 16 first leg and provides balance on the left flank for his side. Mendy gets the nod.
3. Forwards
Karim Benzema (ST) - Where would Real Madrid be without this man? 24 goals and six assists so far this season, Karim Benzema has pulled the squad completely out of the cold on a number of occasions, and loves a big game.
Marco Asensio (ST) - Despite suggestions that Eden Hazard is fit once again, Asensio has earned a start with his impressive recent displays.