Real Madrid vs Manchester City – Match preview | OneFootball

After a matchday marred by controversy in La Liga, which saw Barcelona take the lead in the standings on goal difference, Real Madrid are back in action in the Champions League as they look to secure passage into the Round of 16 at Manchester City’s expense. The defending Premier League champions visit the Santiago Bernabeu this evening for the fourth straight season.

Last week, the Merengues took a 3-2 lead in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium with Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time winner settling a thrilling game.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men will look to finish the job in front of their own supporters and potentially set up a tie with one of Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the next round. In comparison to the game on City’s territory, today’s hosts have received a number of huge fitness boosts.

Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Lucas Vazquez have all made the squad having trained with the team for the last few days. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, the team’s long-term absentees, are the only players still on the sidelines.

There could, however, be just one change from last week’s win with Rudiger coming into the starting eleven. Aurelien Tchouameni might move to defensive midfield, as a result, with Eduardo Camavinga possibly dropping out.

Manchester City, meanwhile, will be without Manuel Akanji, who suffered a muscular injury in the first leg while there are doubts over Jack Grealish’s participation as well. The Swiss, and potentially his English teammate, will be on the sidelines next to Oscar Bobb and Rodri.

Akanji’s absence may be particularly telling for the Citizens as they may be forced to employ the lesser experienced Rico Lewis without the former Borussia Dortmund defender at Guardiola’s disposal.

Guardiola said in the build-up to the match that Manchester City have only a 1% chance of progressing through to the next round although it is fair to assume that the manager is only playing his usual mind games. He has one of the best away records at the Santiago Bernabeu whereas the Sky Blues are unbeaten in three of their last four outings on Los Blancos’ home turf.

Regardless of the way the first leg panned out, tonight’s clash between the competition’s last two winners will be an enticing watch and Real Madrid will hope they can seal passage into the round of 16 without many headaches as their search for a record-extending 16th Champions League continues.