Real Madrid out for revenge as they face Borussia Dortmund again

Real Madrid have the perfect opportunity to make up for last season’s Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund when they meet again with a spot in the semi-finals on the line. Dortmund kept Madrid from reaching the final last season. Here are five factors that will affect tonight’s match:

PRESSURE BUILDING ON ANCELOTTI

For the first time in months, there is intense pressure on coach Carlo Ancelotti following Real Madrid’s recent stumbles. Madrid went from Spanish league leader to third behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. The slump has only intensified Madrid’s obsession with winning its tenth European Cup. The Italian coach can ill afford any slip-ups in the competition.

RONALDO JEERED

Though he does not need a reason for motivation against Dortmund, Cristiano Ronaldo has a point to prove today. The star was jeered at in Saturday’s 5-0 rout of Rayo Vallecano, with Madrid fans apparently unhappy that he did not make a pass to young striker Alvaro Morata.

DORTMUND HURTING

Injuries have taken their toll on Dortmund with midfielders Sven Bender (groin), Jakub Blaszczykowski (knee), Ilkay Gundogan (back) and defenders Marcel Schmelzer (groin) and Neven Subotic (knee) joining Lewandowski on the sideline.

BALE BOUNCES BACK

Gareth Bale bounced back from one of his worst performances of the season in a loss at Sevilla to score twice in the 5-0 win over Rayo. Bale had been on a good run before Madrid’s loss to Barcelona, when the Welshman wasted several scoring opportunities.

DORTMUND’S DETERMINATION

The Champions League is Dortmund’s lone bright spot in a frustrating season, which should make it very hard to beat them. While Dortmund are still alive in the German Cup, they sit 23 points behind Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.