Real Madrid face Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Tuesday 11 February 2025. An explosive duel in which the White House will have to contend with a number of absentees. Between defensive uncertainties and attacking ambitions, Carlo Ancelotti must find a solution to resist the onslaught of the Skyblues. In any case, he has just unveiled his official XI.
After a mixed League phase, marked by five wins and three defeats, Real Madrid finished 11th in the table and must now make the play-offs if they are to have any hope of reaching the last 16. And the draw has not been kind: Manchester City stand in their way. The Merengues know that a good result at the Etihad Stadium is essential before the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. But to do so, they will have to overcome a cascade of injuries that has considerably weakened their back line.
Carlo Ancelotti has no choice but to improvise. Without Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez, the Italian coach has put together an unprecedented defence. The plan? Shift Aurelien Tchouaméni to the centre of defence and Federico Valverde to the right. Ferland Mendy takes his place on the left. A risky gamble in the face of Manchester City’s attacking armada, led by the insatiable Erling Haaland.
Despite this defensive shake-up, Real Madrid can count on a solid midfield. Eduardo Camavinga, fresh from injury, joins Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham in midfield. This trio will have the onerous task of cutting off the opposition’s lines of play while ensuring the transition to attack. Up front, there are no surprises. Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo will form the attacking trio. Their mission? Exploit the slightest weakness, play on the counter-attack and use their speed to destabilise City’s defence.
Real Madrid’s official line-up
Courtois – Valverde, Asencio, Tchouaméni, Mendy – Camavinga, Ceballos, Bellingham – Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinicius Jr
The match promises to be a high-flying affair. Manchester City may be favourites, but Real Madrid are an unpredictable team capable of turning any situation around. Everything will depend on the Merengues’ ability to hold out defensively and be surgical in front of goal. The opening minutes will be crucial. If Real Madrid can contain City’s onslaught and score on the counterattack, anything is possible. It remains to be seen whether this new-look defence can hold its own against one of Europe’s finest teams. The answer will be tonight at the Etihad Stadium.
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