Tottenham travel to play Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

Match fitness has become a major storyline, as several key players' status are up in the air.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has stated that Karim Benzema will be sidelined for the match, but Cristiano Ronaldo will be available, as both forwards have hamstring injuries.

Midfielder Angel Di Maria and defender Marcelo, who is nursing a bruised rib cage, are both questionable for the match. Fernando Gago continues to be ruled out.

Gonzalo Higuain returned to action as a substitute in Saturday's home loss to Sporting Gijon, but looked rusty.

The good news for Tottenham is that manager Harry Redknapp believes star winger Gareth Bale will be available after straining his hamstring, as will defender William Gallas.

However, defenders Alan Hutton, Jonathan Woodgate, and Ledley King, and midfielder Steven Pienaar won't make the trip, while Aaron Lennon and Niko Kranjcar are questionable.

Mourinho has stated that a draw would not be a bad result. His comments come after Saturday's home loss to Sporting Gijon. It was Mourinho's first home league loss in nine years.

Tottenham have had their struggles, as well. The Spurs haven't scored in 312 minutes.

While Mourinho is quick to deliver critical comments, he has nothing but praise for Redknapp. There has also been conversation about Real Madrid acquiring Bale.

The first leg should be a unique meeting for two clubs with high aspirations.

The mixture of injuries and both teams' struggles should make for an interesting match. Real Madrid will rely on Emmanuel Adebayor to pick up the slack for losing Benzema, while Tottenham will try to make up for a depleted defense with a strong effort from central defender Michael Dawson.

Real Madrid has won the European Cup nine times, while Tottenham's best result was a semi-final loss in 1962.