Viktoria Plzen v Real Madrid: Case for Solari appointment will grow

Viktoria Plzen [13.0] v Real Madrid [1.28]; The Draw [6.8]
Wednesday November 7, 20:00
Live on BT Sport ESPN

Santiago Solari has won both of his games as Real Madrid manager since taking over from Julen Lopetegui. A third victory on Wednesday night would further increase the case for giving the job to Solari on a permanent basis, at least until the end of the season.

There are few experienced candidates available for the role, with even fewer seeming to actually want the job. Madrid were far from convincing in their 2-0 win at home to Real Valladolid at the weekend, with both goals coming within the last ten minutes of the game, but every victory will add a little confidence to what was left by the time Lopetegui departed.

While it’s true that the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo was always going to be difficult, especially as the club failed to spend much money in the summer transfer window to replace him, their decline has been far sharper than it should have been. Though landing major titles might be beyond the squad this season, they surely should be able to finish in the top four and make the knockout stages of the Champions League, creating a platform for the inevitable rebuilding that will take place in the summer.

Real are at least top of Group G, despite their surprise loss to CSKA Moscow. Viktoria Plzen are bottom, with a single point. The Czechs are not in particularly good form, winning only two games from their last five outings (D1 L2).

Since Solari took charge Real Madrid have not conceded a goal in two games. These results have admittedly come against modest opposition, but Viktoria Plzen firmly fall into that category anyway.

Creating a stable defensive base is the first part of the battle for Solari and his side should keep a third clean sheet, by winning to nil at odds of [2.2].