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It is not normal to play a final in December, even if Real Madrid have had some experience winning titles closer to Christmas than spring in the past.
They managed to win four Club World Cups between 2014 and 2018, but what is at stake on Wednesday, even if not for the cutlery, is much more important for the club at a sporting, institutional and economic level.
Real Madrid faces the prospect of being eliminated from the group stage of the Champions League for the first time since the tournament was reformed in 1992.
The pressure weighs heavily on those playing Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.
Victory would guarantee them a place in the round of 16 draw, and even a draw can be good enough depending on how Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk plays out.
Zinedine Zidane will be boosted by the return of Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal for the match, as both are vital to Real Madrid’s defense.
Real Madrid’s last two outings in the Champions League came when Ramos did not participate, against Ajax and Manchester City respectively.
There is no doubt that Ramos is fundamental to the success of Los Blancos, both sportingly and because of the emotional boost he brings to the team.
Ramos knows how to bring his team together when the going gets tough, which will be crucial in the last game of the group stage.
The Whites, however, are fighting for attacking options with Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic injured.
This leaves sole responsibility on the shoulders of Karim Benzema in the fundamental contest.
Eden Hazard also remains out injured, leaving Marco Asensio as a possible option to join Benzema in attack.
The Spaniard has not scored or provided assistance in any of his last 13 games for the club, adding to the pressure on Vinicius and Rodrygo.
Los Blancos have been in this position at least six times before and have managed to get through the fight each time.
Zidane was not in command of any of them and these difficult times are something that the French coach never experienced during his first term.
On Wednesday, however, the context is dramatically different. The elimination could even signal the beginning of the end for Zidane.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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