Backheel Breakfast: Real Madrid facing injury crisis

Atlético Madrid are licking their chops.

Last week's 0-0 derby draw between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid into the second leg with neither as a clear favorite, but the Rojiblancos are going to like their chances to advance after Real picked up a trio of injuries. Gareth Bale and Luka Modric are out for sure, while Karim Benzema is a doubt with a knee injury. If he plays, he'll probably be in some pain.

Real Madrid have the luxury of bringing Isco into their starting XI, but with Bale and Modric out, it's not clear what position he'll play. Ancelotti has a tough decision to make with his lineup, and whether he wants to introduce Jese or one of his central midfielders. And if Benzema is out, he might have to use both (or Chicharito), which is going to leave his bench very thin.

No one's going to count out a team with Cristiano Ronaldo, but Real Madrid look like they could be on their way to a zero trophy season.

In the news

Despite a scary scene on Sunday, David Silva doesn't have a broke cheekbone or, apparently, a concussion. (Mirror)

Andres Iniesta will be fit to play against PSG. (AS)

Hannover 96 have sacked their manager Tayfun Korkut. (Bundesliga)

Jose Mourinho talked about how Eden Hazard's mentality was key to Chelsea's win over Man United. (Guardian)

Pep Guardiola says he will stay as Bayern manager at least through next season. (BBC)

Thai businessman Bee Taechaubol says he's buying AC Milan. (Football Italia)

Brendan Rodgers admits his team weren't mentally ready for Wembley. (Sky Sports)

You should be reading

James Yorke on the stats behind the Premier League's relegation battle. (Stats Bomb)

Ian King on FC United of Manchester's fight for promotion. (Two Hundred Percent)

Swiss Rambler on Newcastle United's finances. (Swiss Ramble)

Fun with transfer rumors

The section in which nothing should be taken seriously.

Paulo Dybala's representatives say he won't go for less than €50m. Last week the asking price was reported as €40m. Next week it'll be €60m. Then he'll be sold for €35m. (Football Italia)

Manchester United have told Radamel Falcao's agent they won't sign him permanently, so enter Liverpool. (Express)

Arsenal and Tottenham are battling over Hector Moreno. (Metro)

This weekend's games

Aston Villa upset Liverpool to make the FA Cup final.

They'll meet Arsenal, who beat Reading in extra time.

Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0 in a very typical Mourinho game.

The Milan Derby was horrible.

Manchester City coasted past West Ham, who looked like they couldn't be bothered.

Barcelona beat Valencia 2-0, despite Los Che's good performance.

Real Madrid kept pace with a win over Malaga.

What to watch on Monday (click for listings, all times ET)

Elche vs. Real Sociedad (2:45 p.m.) - Elche managing to avoid relegation would be cool.

Fiorentina vs. Hellas Verona (2:45 p.m.) - Fiorentina aren't out of the top three race yet, but they probably need to win out.

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