Real Madrid are the kings of the UEFA Champions League. Historically, no team in world football can boast of a similar record in the prestigious event.
A debate at one point in the season, Carlo Ancelotti now has no doubts over whom to pick in goal. Andriy Lunin is expected to retain his starting spot for the UCL game, with Kepa Arrizabalaga starting on the bench.
Antonio Rudiger picks himself as one of the starting centre-backs on the night given his impeccable form and leadership, and it is likely that the manager pairs him alongside Aurelien Tchouameni to fortify against aerial threat.
Keeping the priority as defence, Ferland Mendy‘s solid style of play will be preferred by the manager at left-back while the ever-reliable Dani Carvajal will retain his starting spot at right-back.
Tchouameni’s role as a defender throws the defensive midfielder position wide open. His compatriot, Eduardo Camavinga, could thus take up the responsibility as the pivot on the night, sitting in front of the central defenders.
He will be aided by two maestros in the middle of the park with Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde covering as the left and right interiors respectively.
While the former will be indispensable in maintaining possession and breaking defensive lines, the latter’s undying energy and relentless press will be crucial against Guardiola’s side.
Carlo Ancelotti showered praise on Jude Bellingham in his pre-match press conference and it is clear that the youngster must play a big role on the night.
He will continue to start as Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder at the tip of the diamond on paper, although his role, in reality, will be much closer to that of a false 9.
The Br azilian duo of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes are expected to form the pairing up top to complete the lineup. While the former will indeed drift towards the left, the latter will play more centrally or drift to the right.
Carlo Ancelotti will have a plethora of resources on the bench to count on against Manchester City. Of them, there are few names who pick themselves as undisputed presences off the bench.
Brahim Diaz will make a cameo in the second half against his former club should the game situation demand it, just as is the case with Joselu.
Luka Modric and Arda Guler could also receive minutes on the night, while Ancelotti will also look to keep Eder Militao’s gradual incorporation on his agenda while planning the substitutions.