Real Madrid vs. FC Copenhagen: Players Who Need to Step Up for Los Blancos

Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against FC Copenhagen is just what Real Madrid need. After a hugely disappointing Madrid derby defeat at the weekend, an encounter against lesser opponents gives three Los Blancos players the chance to step up.

Karim Benzema 

The Frenchman will be keen to start for Madrid and repay some of Carlo Ancelotti’s faith in playing him so regularly this season. If there was ever a game for the forward to bag himself some much-needed goals, this is it.

FC Copenhagen have won only two of 10 games domestically and are languishing in the relegation zone of the SAS Ligaen. Benzema will have plenty of opportunities to score and put an indifferent start to the season behind him.

Madrid boast a wealth of attacking players, but it's important that they have someone to lead the line. If Benzema makes the step up, he could be that player.

Luka Modric 

Modric is much improved, of that there is no doubt. He made a quiet start to life at Real Madrid, but has slowly emerged.

However, after starting on the bench against Atletico Madrid—and in the continued absence of Xabi Alonso—he must seize his opportunity.

If Modric can control the tempo of the game and pull the strings from the middle, then Real Madrid will be comfortable in possession.

Modric has showed signs that he can be integral to this Real side. On Wednesday night, he has the chance to make a statement.

Angel Di Maria

The Argentine is a gifted footballer and remained at the Bernabeu despite transfer talk over the summer. Now is the time for Di Maria to demonstrate why Los Blancos will need him this season.

In a game where he is likely to be afforded space and time on the ball, it might be wise for Carlo Ancelotti to give Di Maria a chance to shine.

With Gareth Bale out of Wednesday’s game through injury, as reported by Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail, Di Maria has the opportunity to find some form. After his mistake led to Atletico Madrid’s goal on Saturday, Di Maria will be looking for the chance to atone for his error.

Bale’s absence does, however, provide Benzema, Modric and Di Maria the chance to show Ancelotti that they can be important in this European campaign.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard, Spanish football expert Sid Lowe gave his view on Real Madrid players who will be crucial in Europe this season:

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In the Champions League at least, Benzema’s record is actually very good. Jese is exciting too: talented and cocky, not afraid of anything. Maybe the surprise is not so much a case of unknown players as known players who end up having a bigger role than people might expect. Modric, perhaps.

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In pursuit of La Decima, Real Madrid will come to rely on the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Isco. However, if they stand any chance of winning the Champions League this season they need players around that trio to contribute.

In Benzema, Modric and Di Maria they have three players who could alleviate some pressure and share responsibility. Starting with FC Copenhagen on Wednesday, Benzema, Modric and Di Maria have a chance to make things right.