Real Madrid v CSKA Moscow: Clean sheet for improving hosts

Real Madrid 1.23 v CSKA Moscow 15.50; The Draw 7.40
Wednesday 12 December, 17:55
Live on BT Sport 1

Madrid can make it five in a row

Technically Real Madrid have no need to win this game, but in terms of their fragile confidence, it is important that they can keep their winning run going.

The Champions League holders have won their last four games, after beating Huesca 1-0 at the weekend. Yet the embarrassing 3-0 defeat at Elche remains fresh in the memory, as Santiago Solari looks to secure his position as manager.

Madrid have certainly improved under Solari's watch. The manager has introduced young players such as Marcos Llorente and Sergio Reguilon to the team and has made the Madrid squad more of a meritocracy. Despite the poor start to the season, Real are only five points behind the La Liga leaders Barcelona and will go into 2019 on the hunt for trophies.

CSKA Moscow are also challenging for their domestic title. In third place and four points behind the leaders Zenit, Viktor Goncharenko's team won 2-1 against Yenisey at the weekend. The Russians need to better Viktoria Plzen's result against Roma in order to secure a Europa League spot.

Solari has improved Real defence

When they met in the reverse fixture, CSKA ran out as surprise winners in what was one of the lowest points of Julen Lopetegui's brief time in charge.

It's hard to see history repeating itself. In their last four games, not only have Real won but they have also kept clean sheets on three occasions, as Solari has improved their defence. With CSKA failing to score in their last Champions League away match, back Real Madrid to win to nil at 2.20.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Back Real Madrid to beat CSKA Moscow to nil at 2.20