Real Madrid to Face Manchester City Next Wednesday in Champions League Playoff Second Leg. For this crucial clash, Carlo Ancelotti will have a significantly strengthened squad.
Having secured a 3-2 victory in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium last Tuesday, Real Madrid will host Manchester City next Wednesday in the Champions League playoff for a spot in the Round of 16. For this decisive encounter, Carlo Ancelotti will benefit from two major reinforcements. Deprived of a large portion of his defence in the first leg, the Madrid coach will now be able to count on David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger for the return fixture. According to Marca, both defensive stalwarts are recovering well from their muscle injuries and will be included in the squad to bolster Madrid’s backline.
Lucas Vázquez still doubtful
The only setback for Carlo Ancelotti concerns the right side of the defence, as Lucas Vázquez is unlikely to be available. Despite the medical staff’s efforts to get him back on his feet, the Spanish full-back has yet to resume ball training. On Sunday, he missed the day’s training session. Given the situation, Ancelotti is expected to once again deploy Federico Valverde in defence.
Now Madrid’s ultimate utility man, Valverde will have the crucial task of stopping Omar Marmoush, Manchester City’s new signing who shone in the Premier League over the weekend. Absent in the first leg, the Egyptian winger is expected to start for Pep Guardiola next Wednesday. With the return of Alaba and Rüdiger, Real Madrid can take comfort in their defensive solidity. And with Raúl Asensio already delivering exceptional performances, the return of the veteran defenders should further reinforce the team’s resilience.
Next Wednesday, all eyes will be on the Santiago Bernabéu. Having done the hard part by taking the lead, Vinícius Júnior and his teammates will need to deliver a solid performance to control Pep Guardiola’s side, who will be determined to pull off the upset by eliminating Real Madrid on their own turf.
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