Real Madrid: Set for CSKA Moscow

The team finished preparing for tomorrow's clash against CSKA Moscow in the return leg of the Champions League Last 16.  José Mourinho had 22 men on-hand during the final training session, including Castilla goalkeeper Tomás Mejías.  The team had begun preparations for the CL match 12 hours – yes, 12 hours – after their win against Betis.

Nineteen of the 22 men have been called up for duty against CSKA Moscow.

Goalkeeprs

Casillas, Adan, Tomás Mejías

Defenders

Pepe, Arbeloa, Varane, Albiol, Marcelo, Ramos

Midfielders

Sahin, Lass, Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Özil, Granero, Kaká

Forwards

Cristiano, Higuaín, Benzema

Ricardo Carvalho, José Callejón, and Hamit Altintop will miss the match due to coaching decisions, while Ángel Di María and Fábio Coentrão are out injured.

Sanitas Injury Report

 Di María

Injury: Muscle bruise close to the right anterior muscle

Treatment: Medical. Physiotherapy.

  

Coentrão

Injury: Fibrillar tear on the right hamstring muscle

Treatment: Medical. Physiotherapy.

Other odds and ends?  The club put a little media piece together titled "Play Your Part," with Iker Casillas, Pepe, Gonzalo "Pipita" Higuaín, Xabi Alonso, and Marcelo.  Not only do they want to be prepared for this important match, but they urge the fans to be prepared as well.  See the video below.

Xabi Alonso wants us to be his feet, while Pipita wants us to have his soul.  Casillas wants us to be his hands, and Marcelo wants us to see his magic in us.  As for what Pepe had to say?  "We want to win and for you to play with us."

I don't know about that, gentlemen.  I lack coordination most of the time and trip over flat surfaces.  I doubt you'd want me on your squad.  However, I will support you until the very end.

Do not forget to tune in tomorrow at 3:45PM Eastern Standard Time to see los Blancos take on CSKA.  The CL match will be playing on FOX Deportes, Fox Soccer 2Go, Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Sports Net, and MSG Plus in the United States.  International fans?  You can follow the game on UEFA Match Centre.  ¡Hala Madrid!

written by Gail Hidalgo