The Santiago Bernabéu is set for a blockbuster night as Real Madrid faces Manchester City live in the second leg of their Champions League playoff.
With a 3-2 lead from the first leg at the Etihad, Madrid holds the edge, but City’s firepower makes this a battle far from over.
Familiar Rivals on the European Stage
This marks the eighth Champions League encounter between these two heavyweights in the past four years. Madrid’s recent home record against City stands at one win and two draws, including the iconic 2021/22 semi-final comeback and last season’s 3-3 thriller.
Ancelotti’s Strategy
Carlo Ancelotti knows the job is only half done. “We have a small advantage and must play the same game as in the first leg,” he stated before the match. The return of Rüdiger, Lucas Vázquez, and Alaba boosts Madrid’s squad, while Mbappé, with 25 goals this season, leads the attack.
City’s Threat: Haaland and Company
Pep Guardiola’s men arrive in Madrid fresh from a 4-0 Premier League win over Newcastle, with Marmoush scoring a hat-trick. Haaland, who netted twice in the first leg, has eight Champions League goals this season and remains City’s key attacking force.
Confirmed Lineups
Real Madrid Starting XI
Courtois, Valverde, Rüdiger, Asencio, F. Mendy, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vini Jr.
Substitutes
Lunin, Sergio Mestre, Alaba, Camavinga, Modrić, Arda Güler, Endrick, Lucas V., Vallejo, Fran García, Brahim.
Manchester City Starting XI
Ederson, Khusanov, Stones, Dias (c), Gvardiol, Nico, Gundogan, Bernardo, Foden, Savinho, Marmoush.
Substitutes
Ortega Moreno, Carson, Ake, Kovacic, Haaland, Grealish, Doku, De Bruyne, Nunes, Lewis, McAtee.
What’s at Stake?
A spot in the last 16 is up for grabs. Madrid aims to capitalize on their home advantage and first-leg lead, while City looks to stage a comeback and prove their resilience. Expect drama, goals, and tension under the lights at the Bernabéu.
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