Manchester City – Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti’s highly anticipated line-up

Champions League against Manchester City. On their trip to the Etihad, Carlo Ancelotti’s team will face a determined Manchester City side, seeking revenge after last year’s bitter scenario. For this match, the Madrid line-up is nearly confirmed.

After a challenging group stage, both Madrid and City will battle for a place in the round of 16. In two weeks, one of Europe’s top teams in recent years will be eliminated in the knockout round, which begins this Tuesday. As in previous editions of the Champions League, Real Madrid will face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City once again. For this crucial double encounter, several injury concerns are complicating matters for the Madrid team, especially in defence.

The likely starting XI for the Merengues

With the absences of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Lucas Vazquez, Real will rely on two midfielders in defence: Aurélien Tchouaméni, who will partner with Raul Asensio in central defence, while Federico Valverde will play on the right side of defence. Absent from last Saturday’s Madrid derby, Ferland Mendy is expected to return to his starting position on the left side. In goal, Thibaut Courtois will, of course, start.

In midfield, two players are certain to play. With their unquestioned status at Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos will feature in the first leg against Manchester City. The only remaining question is whether Luka Modric or Camavinga will join them in the midfield battle.

Finally, up front, the trio of Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Mbappé will be aligned, unless there is a last-minute tactical change by Carlo Ancelotti. With his usual 4-3-3 formation, the Madrid coach is unlikely to drastically alter his plan to counter Pep Guardiola’s team. For this first leg, Real Madrid’s primary goal is to return to Madrid with at least a draw, while hoping for defensive reinforcements for the return leg next week. The clash promises to be electrifying, given the historical rivalry between the two clubs.

Here is the likely starting line-up for Real Madrid against City this Tuesday:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Ferland Mendy, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Raul Asensio, Federico Valverde

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Luka Modric

Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé.