1. Casemiro’s return
When you think of Real Madrid stars, Casemiro certainly isn’t the first name that springs to mind. However, the physical Brazilian midfielder might be the most unique member of Zidane’s squad.
He’s really the only defensive-minded midfielder at his manager’s disposal. When he isn’t fit, Real can be forced to start two attackers in the double-pivot. With Casemiro in the starting XI, he provides his club a much more balanced midfield.
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He only came on as a substitute against Barcelona, but I’d expect to see his name in the starting lineup against Dortmund. He looked good in his half hour or so of action in El Clasico. His involvement against Dortmund could change the dynamic of the match entirely.
With Casemiro on the pitch, Real’s back four gets some measure of protection while the rest of the squad is free to bomb forward with reckless abandon. He simply allows his teammates to do what they do best. His involvement against Dortmund is going to spring his attacking teammates lose to reign terror on the BVB defense. That will be enough to give Real Madrid a convincing victory on the day.