Madrid: Real Madrid will have another chance to calm the atmosphere surrounding the club when the Spaniards take on Ajax in their first home Champions League match on Tuesday night.
Jose Mourinho's side recovered from a poor week to defeat Rayo Vallecano 6-2 on Saturday night and they will be looking to give their fans more to cheer against the Dutch side, they defeated twice in last year's competition.
Mourinho received the full backing of club president Florentino Perez on Sunday in front of an assembly of club members, Xinhua reported.
The coach will make some changes to his side Tuesday night: With Marcelo suspended after being sent off in Zagreb a fortnight ago and Fabio Coentrao injured, Alvaro Arbeloa will play at left back with Sergio Ramos on the right.
Ricardo Carvalho will not be risked after suffering concussion a week ago and with Pepe suffering a muscle injury Rafael Varene, who scored on his debut on Saturday night, will partner Raul Albiol in central defense.
Sami Khedira will partner Xabi Alonso in central midfield and everything points to Karim Benzema, who was rested Saturday night, returning in attack. The main doubt is whether Mesut Ozil or Kaka will play in the advanced midfield role.
Elsewhere, Villarreal travel to play Naples on Tuesday. Villarreal have had a poor start to the season and although they managed to draw 1-1 in Bilbao Saturday afternoon, the result has come at a price.
Striker Marco Ruben will miss the game after breaking a bone in his left foot during that match, an injury that will keep him out of action for three weeks. Meanwhile Giuseppe Rossi is also doubtful after twisting his knee Saturday.
Villarreal need a positive result after losing their opening group game at home to Bayern Munich, but travel knowing that no Spanish side has ever won away to Naples, who kicked off their European campaign with a 1-1 draw away to powerful Manchester City.
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