Here’s how Real Madrid could line up at Manchester City in the Champions League.
Since play has been suspended due to the pandemic, everything has been quite confusing for the teams and the fans in regards to the games and what the plan is overall. Therefore, we are now preparing to finally play the second-leg of the UEFA Champions League Knockout against Manchester City after losing the first match 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid will go into this match having won La Liga and would have spent the past couple weeks preparing for anything that Pep Guardiola would throw at them. However, they will be taking on a tough side that have been ready for this match for over a month now as it’s no secret that this trophy is a priority for the English team.
Goalkeeper:
After winning the Zamora Trophy, we’ll need to continue having Thibaut Courtois at his absolute best on the night. If Los Merengues don’t concede, then two goals scored will be enough to book them a spot in the next round. Courtois has been in sensational form this season and there is no reason for us not to think that he will continue that form in August.
Defenders:
Zinedine Zidane isn’t expected to take any risks with his defenders who will have an extremely difficult job on the night. Dani Carvajal will be taking the right side and tasked with ensuring that the Manchester City wingers aren’t able to cut inside as effectively as they usually do.
Raphael Varane has been our best defender this season and will be taking his place alongside Eder Militao, who has a golden opportunity to show that he can handle such a massive stage. Sergio Ramos won’t be able to play due to suspension.
When is comes to the left-back position, it seems like the best choice will be to start with Ferland Mendy and then bring on Marcelo if more attacking firepower is required during the second half of the match.
Midfielders:
No one will argue that Carlos Casemiro will and should start the game. He could prove to be the main reason Real Madrid (hopefully) make it through to the next round as well. Toni Kroos will be taking his place in the middle with a Luka Modric who has been rejuvenated expected to start as well.
Some may say Federico Valverde is the better option ahead of the Croatian and even though that may be the case, he can’t open up space like Modric. Valverde would be an incredible player to come off the bench if Real Madrid are leading and need a change of pace.
Forwards:
Real Madrid have been (slightly) patiently waiting to see the true form of Eden Hazard and we’ll get a chance to see that on Friday night. Zidane has been doing everything he can to ensure that the Belgian arrives to this game in full fitness and it seems like everything is currently going as planned.
On the other side, it’s difficult to really see what the manager will have in mind but I’ll put my money on Marco Asensio to begin the game. Zidane is a fan and the Spaniard has been in good form since returning from injury. He could be vital against Manchester City on the night. Up front, there is no choice but to see the one and only Karim Benzema, who will be expected to continue his form into this game.