Real Madrid welcome Borussia Monchengladbach to the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Wednesday knowing that nothing less than a win will do in their bid to make the Champions League knockout stages.
The under-fire Zinedine Zidane has witnessed his side take seven points from a possible 15 in Group B, and Real's chances of advancing hang in the balance following a 2-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk last week.
However, the hosts' destiny is still in their own hands and Los Blancos warmed up for this game with a 1-0 triumph over Sevilla in La Liga, although Zidane's side had to rely on a goalkeeping blunder from Bono to eke out that win.
Here, Sports Mole looks at how Real Madrid could line up for the visit of Monchengladbach.
Out: Eden Hazard (muscle), Federico Valverde (shin)
Doubtful: Sergio Ramos (hamstring), Dani Carvajal (thigh), Luka Jovic (coronavirus), Mariano Diaz (unspecified)
> Click here for Real Madrid's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match
Zidane could do without a plethora of injuries for this imperative showdown with Monchengladbach, with the Frenchman a man under pressure to deliver with Real at risk of falling at the first hurdle.
While Eden Hazard and Federico Valverde will definitely miss out, the hosts should be able to welcome inspirational captain Sergio Ramos back from a hamstring problem in time to partner Raphael Varane in defence, meaning that Nacho Fernandez is likely to make way.
Dani Carvajal remains doubtful as well so Lucas Vazquez may continue to deputise at right-back, although Alvaro Odriozola has now returned to the fold and will hope to put his name in the hat for the visit of Monchengladbach.
Ferland Mendy, Toni Kroos and Casemiro are all set to retain their places, but one alteration in the middle of the park could see the more-attack minded Martin Odegaard come in for Luka Modric, with Zidane desperate to ease the ever-mounting pressure on him with all three points in this tie.
Up top, Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz remain doubtful for this one, but both forwards were never expected to displace Champions League journeyman Karim Benzema, who currently sits fifth on the list of all-time leading scorers in Europe's elite competition.
Vinicius Junior made headlines for all the wrong reasons after he inexplicably swiped at the air from less than a yard out against Sevilla, but the youthful Brazilian may be given another chance in this one, although his compatriot Rodrygo could drop out for Marco Asensio on the opposite flank.
Ben Knapton
