Zidane's squad facing April test of Atlético, Barcelona and Bayern
Following the news from Uefa HQ that Madrid will play Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter finals, the April fixture list is looking to stretch their squad to the max. Atlético vs Real Madrid
Big names meet early for European glory
All eyes were on Nyon as Uefa held the draw for the Champions League quarter finals and as soon as it was over, attention turned to the schedules for Europe's elite sides, incorporating their new opponents. For the neutral Real Madrid observer, April looks appetising; for Zidane and co. it is going to stretch their resources to the maximum.
Derbi, Clásico and Bayern in quarters
The month of April sees Los Blancos face up against neighbours Atlético in the derby, Bayern Munich, under the stewardship of ex-Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, twice in the Champions League and La Liga title rivals Barcelona, all within the space of 15 days. That period also includes a trip to Sporting Gijón in the league, who'll likely still be fighting for survival.
Can Zidane use the depth in his squad to deal with the shower of fixtures that April brings? If he can navigate through this intense storm that faces him, May could well reveal a silver light for the Frenchman.
April 2017: Real Madrid fixtures
2nd - Alavés (H)
5th - Leganés (A)
8th - Atlético (H)
12th - Bayern (A)
16th - Sporting (A)
18th - Bayern (H)
23rd - Barcelona (H)
26th - Deportivo (A)
30th - Valencia (H)
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