Real Madrid vs. Ludogorets Razgrad: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
European champions Real Madrid will be expected to keep their winning run going when they host Ludogorets Razgrad at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team have been simply sensational in recent weeks. Inspired by the genial talents of Cristiano Ronaldo, they’ve swept aside all before them in their last 18 matches and will be looking to secure their sixth win from six Champions League group matches when they take on the Bulgarian minnows.
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You suspect this match will represent an ambition fulfilled for a host of these Ludogorets players, and after acquitting themselves well at Anfield in their first Champions League game this season, they’ll be hoping to sign off in style with a strong performance at one of football’s iconic venues. Here’s all the information you need on where to catch this match.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 9
Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT, 2:45 p.m. ET
Live Stream: Sky Go App (UK), Fox Sports Go (U.S.)
TV Info: Sky Sports 1 (UK), Fox Sports 2 (U.S.)
Real Madrid Seeking Group-Stage Perfection
After ruffling a few feathers in their maiden Champions League bow, Ludogorets face the unenviable task of tackling Real Madrid in their own back yard. On home soil, the Bulgarians have fared pretty well, but on the road, they’ve lost both of their games and shipped six goals in the process.
Admittedly, Liverpool needed a very late penalty to best the Bulgarians, but Basel forensically dismantled Ludogorets’ ropey defence; it’s worrying to think of the damage Madrid’s stellar attacking arsenal could potentially inflict should they get going early in the match.
RMadridNetwork looks at the numbers produced by Ancelotti's men this term:
"Real Madrid’s last 18 matches: WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW Scored: 67 Conceded: 9 pic.twitter.com/arJzg5fCp1
— RMadridNetwork (@RMadridNetwork) December 7, 2014"
There’s little doubt they’ll continue this run here, but with top spot secured, don’t expect all of Los Blancos’ stellar names to take to the field for this one. Opportunities could even be handed to a few fringe players in the squad, and encouragingly for Ancelotti, this match could be the perfect opportunity to give Jese Rodriguez some valuable game time.
He’s recently returned to the fold after a long injury layoff, and while Madrid are far from short of attacking options, the 21-year-old can provide vital depth and competition for places in the forward positions. Much to the delight of the Bernabeu crowd, Jese scored on his return to the team in the Copa del Rey win over Cornella, per Futbol Pictures:
"5-0! Jesé with a goal on his return. Brilliant to see. https://t.co/aLOflWPkt8
— Futbol Pictures (@FutbolPictures) December 2, 2014"
It’s also a chance for players like Sami Khedira, Asier Illarramendi and Javier Hernandez to come into the side and stake their claim for a place in the first team.
Six wins from six games in the Champions League group stages is a feat that has rarely been accomplished; it’d be a major testament to Ancelotti should they accrue that perfect set of results. Madrid have showcased remarkable consistency in both domestic and European competition, and they’ll set a record for consecutive wins should they topple the Bulgarians, per Dale Johnson of ESPN:
Even without the likes of James Rodriguez—who will miss this one through injury—and potentially a host of rested key players, Real will have far too much for Ludogorets. With little to lose, the Bulgarians will probably rock up and play with a degree of freedom initially, but as the game settles down into a pattern, the might of Madrid will overwhelm them.
At the moment, positivity and purpose seems to be emanating from every pore of the Bernabeu, and as wonderful as it would be to see Ludogorets pick up a result, Real will continue their march towards glory with another classy display.
Prediction: Real Madrid 4-0 Ludogorets Razgrad
