KHEDIRA BACKS REAL SQUAD
Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has said that the absence of midfielder Xabi Alonso from the squad is not a problem for Real Madrid, as they have a number of players who can effectively replace him on the pitch. Xabi Alonso will be missing the second leg match against Cyprus side APOEL.
Real Madrid are the favourites to go past APOEL into the semifinals of the Champions League after they come into the match with a 3-0 advantage from the first leg. Still, Real Madrid are not complacent about qualifying for the Champions League, but Khedira insists that Alonso will not be missed in the centre of midfield.
The 30-year-old Spaniard picked up a booking in the first leg, which has ruled him out of this tie due to suspension. Alonso has so far made 42 appearances for Real Madrid this season, which shows his importance for the team. Hence, there has been a lot of speculation that APOEL will cause Real Madrid a lot of problems at the Santiago Bernabeu. Khedira, who is not especially known for his passing skills like Alonso, has said that the Spaniard will not be missed because Real Madrid have enough quality on the bench to replace him.
“Xabi Alonso is very important for us, but our team has a lot of quality and good players in all areas. We will miss him, this situation is new, but it is not a problem. We will overcome this problem and go out to win. We know APOEL are a good side. They came out of their group and defeated Olympique Lyonnais. We respect them a lot, they reached the quarter finals in the competition,” Khedira told the betfair FA Cup site.
Real Madrid are likely to face Bayern Munich in the semifinals after the German club overcame Marseille 2-0 in the first leg.
According to the betting sites, Real Madrid would be firm favourites if the two do end up meeting.
