Real Madrid will lock horns with Manchester City in a high-stakes clash in the second leg of the Champions League play-offs on Wednesday, with the Spanish giants leading 3-2 on aggregate.
The first leg at the Etihad Stadium was a classic as Los Blancos turned the tables and produced a stellar 3-2 win, with Jude Bellingham netting the winner in injury time.
However, the Spanish giants have struggled recently to replicate the form in La Liga, as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Osasuna over the weekend in a game which also saw Bellingham receive a red card for his dissent with the referee. The draw stretched the league leaders’ winless run to three games, handing rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona a massive fillip in the title race.
But Carlo Ancelotti’s men will try to bounce back this Wednesday in the competition they have become synonymous with. Against all odds, Real Madrid pulled off a magnificent result in the first leg to demonstrate their pedigree in the Champions League. Having the upper hand in the tie, the Spanish giants will hope to see off their familiar foes Manchester City to progress into the next round.
On the other hand, the English giants will enter the contest in a somewhat buoyant mood after thrashing Newcastle United 4-0 over the weekend. New signing Omar Marmoush stole the spotlight with a stellar hat-trick and the Cityzens will be hoping to replicate a similar performance against Real Madrid.
While their attacking impetus is unquestionable, Manchester City will be cautious to avoid defensive lapses and individual errors, which have constantly plagued them this season.
Team News
While the likes of Lucas Vazquez, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao continue to be the long-term absentees, Real Madrid are set to welcome David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger from injuries for the big clash against Manchester City, as revealed by Carlo Ancelotti.
Rudiger could also make his way into the Real Madrid lineup at the expense of Raul Asencio.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Manchester City
Goalkeeper
Beaten by Erling Haaland on a couple of occasions in the 1st leg, Thibaut Courtois will be desperate to make his mark at Santiago Bernabeu.
Defence
While Raul Asencio has been monumental in the previous games, his exclusion looks inevitable with the return of Rudiger.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Ferland Mendy and Federico Valverde should complete the backline.
Midfield
Dani Ceballos is likely to be given another run, with Camavinga providing the defensive solidity in the midfield in the Real Madrid lineup.
Bellingham, who silenced the Etihad, will look to pull the strings again in the No.10 role.
Attack
The duo of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior shone in the 1st leg against Man City, as they often prove to be the difference between a win and a defeat for the Spanish giants.
They will be aiming to run amok against Manchester City’s unstable backline, with Rodrygo Goes completing the attacking contingent in the Real Madrid lineup.
