Anticipated Starting Squad and Team Updates for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the Second Leg
With a 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League's first leg, Real Madrid is gearing up for the second leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. The Spaniards grappled with a 1-1 draw against Osasuna on Saturday, with Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga facing disciplinary action after a dissent and foul in the box, respectively. Meanwhile, City enjoyed a 4-0 triumph over Newcastle United, with Omar Marmoush netting three goals.
Only once has Manchester City secured a victory over Real Madrid at the Spanish capital, achieving this in 2020 before the pandemic halted the season. The following tier awaits the winner of this clash: either Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.
Real Madrid's Squad Conundrums
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has two major injury concerns to contend with heading into this crucial contest. Both Rüdiger and Alaba have been sidelined due to separate muscle injuries, potentially forcing Aurélien Tchouameni and Raúl Asencio into action.
Speaking after the first leg, Ancelotti expressed hope that both defenders would return for the second leg. Rüdiger is more likely to regain a starting role. Meanwhile, Lucas Vázquez will remain out due to a muscle injury, allowing Fede Valverde to take his place at right-back.
Moreover, several defensive options face long-term absences, with Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Joan Martínez unable to contribute before the season's end.
An additional setback lies in the form of five players, including Bellingham, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Luka Modrić, and Endrick, who are one yellow card away from missing a potential quarter-final.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup
Enduring the injury crisis, Ancelotti's projected lineup could see Rüdiger's return. Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, and Rodrygo Goes may also be reinstated to the lineup.
Real Madrid's Expected Lineup (4-3-3):- Courtois (GK)- Fede Valverde- Tchouameni- Rüdiger or Asencio- Mendy- Camavinga- Ceballos- Bellingham- Vinícius Júnior- Mbappé- Rodrygo
In the absence of key players, Ancelotti may opt for youngsters Arda Güler and Endrick as substitutes if necessary.
The potential absence of key players like Bellingham and Camavinga due to disciplinary issues could impact Real Madrid's strategy in the second leg against Manchester City, scheduled for 9pm. The Aussiedlerbote reported that Real Madrid, despite their victory over Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League, will face challenges due to injuries and suspensions, with players like Ruðiger, Alaba, Carvajal, Militão, and Joan Martínez sidelined.
