Real Madrid will be the Spanish club with most consecutive wins in history if they manage to beat Ludogorets at the Santiago Bernabeu in the last date of the Champions League group state.
Los Blancos levelled Frank Rijkaard’s Barcelona’s run of 18th straight victories in all competitions as they trashed Celta de Vigo on Saturday. And now they could break an all-time record if they get their 19th win.
Los Merengues have secured the first spot in group B so Carlo Ancelotti will rest several key players. The defence will most likely change completely, with Alvaro Arbeloa, Raphael Varane, Nacho Fernandez and Fabio Coentrao replacing Daniel Carvajal, Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo.
In midfield, Asier Illarramendi will start for a second consecutive match, and Toni Kroos could also get some rest, leaving his spot for Isco or Alvaro Medran.
Up front Chicharito Hernandez is expected to feature in the starting eleven, with Karim Benzema most likely being given a chance to rest. Jese Rodriguez could make his first start in nine months after recovering from his injury, although chances are he will come in from the bench in the second half.
James Rodriguez has joined Sami Khedira and Luka Modric on the sidelines, while Sergio Ramos will miss the game through suspension.
Possible line-ups:
Real Madrid: Navas; Arbeloa, Varane, Nacho, Coentrao; Bale, Illarramendi, Medran, Isco; Chicharito, Ronaldo.
Ludogorets: Stojanov; Abalo, Terziev, Moti, Minev; Dyakov, Espinho; M. Aleksandro, Marcelinho, A. Aleksandrov ; Quixada.
