Real Madrid vs FC Basel: UEFA Champions League Preview, Live Stream, Where to Watch
Real Madrid will look to solidify their grip on top spot in UEFA Champions League Group B when they collide with FC Basel on Wednesday at St. Jakob Park in Switzerland.
Real Madrid has already qualified for the knockout stage as the have already earned 12 points in their first four games, but coach Carlo Ancelotti vowed that they will go all out against Basel.
Ancelotti denied speculation that he will rest his key players in preparation for their upcoming Spanish La Liga and Copa Del Rey games, saying that he will start star forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
"I have some doubts about the full-backs, who are a bit tired. But in front of that the same players will start," Ancelotti said via ESPN FC. "It is true we are qualified, but we need to play well and ensure we win the game. The idea is to play the best team possible, to play the best game possible."
Ancelotti's club also has a chance to score their 15th straight win, which would equal the club's longest winning streak set in 2011-12 season under Jose Mourinho and 1960-61 season under Miguel Munoz.
"I cannot say that to enter into the history of this club is not important," Ancelotti added. "But we can only achieve it working well as we have been doing. Any game can be a problem, as you can drop a little in any moment. So the motivation is keep running, fighting, sacrificing yourself on the pitch so this moment continues as long as possible."
Meanwhile, FC Basel are also expected to go all out since a win would put them one step closer to advancing to the knockout stage of this season's Champions League.
The Swiss club will qualify with a win coupled with a draw or a loss for Liverpool in their match against Ludogorets Razgrad on Wednesday.
However, FC Basel, who took a disappointing 5-1 loss to Real Madrid in their first match at Bernabeu in September, will have to do it without striker Marco Streller, who has not played because of an ailing back since scoring the game-winning goal in their 1-0 victory against Liverpool last month.
The match between Real Madrid and FC Basel will kick off at 2:45 p.m. EST. Fans can catch the action on Fox Sports and through online live stream via Sky Go App, Now TV and Fox Soccer 2Go.
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