Champions League Group B Preview: Can Conte's Inter topple Zidane's Madrid?
Having already previewed Group A of the 2020/21 Champions League, it's time to turn our attention to Group B. Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter and Gladbach fill this group, with Inter remarkably coming in as a Pot 3 side. Madrid are favourites but are think there could a shock awaiting Zinedine Zidane's side.
REAL MADRID
Key Player - Karim Benzema
Picking up the slack following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema has been the star turn for Real Madrid for the past two seasons now, netting 21 league goals in each campaign. Outside of the striker, the club's main goal threat is centre-back Sergio Ramos, which highlights the pressure on the Frenchman's shoulders to not only score goals but bring a diminished support cast into play.
One To Watch - Federico Valverde
Having been used in rotation last season, Valverde is expected to get more regular action this season and is certainly held in high regard at the club as they look to the future beyond the pairing of Kroos and Modric. The 22-year-old's energy in an ageing midfield will certainly prove important in Europe having been dealt a tough group and the Uruguayan's development may well have a big bearing on Madrid's season.
Group Prediction - 2nd
With the big name attacking signings of recent years all now gone, barring Eden Hazard who has barely featured, Real Madrid's squad looks short of star quality compared to years gone by. There is a huge onus on the likes of Benzema and Ramos to perform, and some tough opposition in Group B.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Key Player - Junior Moraes
Since arriving from rivals Dynamo Kyiv, Junior Moraes has proven an outstanding acquisition for Shakhtar and the hopes of their progression from a nightmare group lay firmly on his shoulders in front of goal. The 33-year-old has been able to transfer his impressive scoring record from Ukraine into Europe, which is a significant step up, scoring 17 goals across the last 3 seasons of the Champions and Europa League.
One To Watch - Dodo
Joining the Brazilian contingent in Donetsk last season, right-back Dodo has made that spot his own and has an important role at both ends. The 21-year-old both scored and assisted a goal in both the Champions League and Europa League last season and his energy is a big boost from wide areas to an ageing attack. The youngster will face some tough opposition on that flank and will need to stand up to the test.
Group Prediction - 4th
Given their status as Ukrainian champions, Shakhtar were a pot two seed and will have been dismayed to be drawn against extremely strong opponents from pots three (Inter) and four (Gladbach). They were rolled over by Antonio Conte's side in the Europa League in the summer and could be on a hiding to nothing.
INTER
Key Player - Romelu Lukaku
A player reborn in Milan, Lukaku's skill set has proven the perfect match for Italian football and he has bullied defenders ever since making the move from Manchester United. Play to his strengths, which Antonio Conte does, and there are few strikers that carry as big a threat as the 27-year-old, who scored 32 goals across league and European action last season and already has four in four this time around.
One To Watch - Achraf Hakimi
After two outstanding seasons with Dortmund, the permanent signing of Hakimi from Real Madrid is a huge coup, even for a club of Inter's stature. The ideal wing-back in Antonio Conte's system, the Moroccan already has a goal and two assists to his name in Serie A. Getting to the byline with alarming frequency, the likes of Lukaku and Martinez will profit from Hakimi’s service.
Group Prediction - 1st
While Inter could have been dealt a more favourable draw they have no reason to fear anyone in what looks a competitive group and have the strongest squad of the four teams. There's real quality at both ends of the pitch and a well-drilled, familiar system in place under the tutelage of Antonio Conte.
GLADBACH
Key Player - Denis Zakaria
Having missed out since lockdown due to a knee injury, Zakaria's imminent return to fitness could be extremely timely for The Foals. Having been earmarked as a real prospect for some time now, he made real strides last season prior to injury and is an important disruptive presence in midfield, with a great engine. In what will be his first taste of Champions League action, the 23-year-old will be keen to make his mark.
One To Watch - Marcus Thuram
Having picked up Thuram as the one bright spark from a relegated Guingamp side, the move always looked like a smart one on Gladbach's part and proved as much as they sought to replace Thorgan Hazard. The Frenchman came close to replicating the Belgian's feat of reaching double figures for goals and assists the season previous, managing 10 and 8 respectively, and dovetails very nicely with compatriot Alassane Plea.
Group Prediction - 3rd
It was a very quiet transfer window for Gladbach who will hope some consistency and familiarity within the squad pays off in the long run. Their first XI is capable of competing at this level but injuries to key players would leave them short of quality and a lack of strength in depth may cost them a place in the knockout phase.
