Real Madrid vs Man City, UCL Playoffs: Team News, Injury Update, Predicted Lineups

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Real Madrid will be locking horns against Manchester City in the 2nd leg of UEFA Champions League playoff match at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday (February 19).

A scintillating encounter unfolded at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg, which saw Real Madrid securing a 3-2 victory over the Premier League giants. Erling Haaland scored a brace but Jude Bellingham netted the injury-time winner for the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid vs Man City Team News, Injury Update

Real Madrid receives a significant boost as defensive stalwarts Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba return from injury, making them likely starters for such a crucial fixture. Youngster Raul Asencio has performed admirably but will likely make way for the experienced duo.

With Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao ruled out due to ACL injuries, Federico Valverde is expected to continue at right-back, a position he looked comfortable in during the first leg. Aurelien Tchouameni returns to his natural defensive midfield role, and Eduardo Camavinga is favoured to partner him, given his impressive impact off the bench in the first leg.

In attack, Real Madrid will likely retain their formidable quartet of Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Kylian Mbappe, though Brahim Diaz remains an option if Ancelotti seeks tactical flexibility.

Manchester City faces defensive concerns, with Ruben Dias dealing with muscle tightness and Manuel Akanji ruled out. This leaves young Rico Lewis with the daunting task at right-back. John Stones remains a versatile option and is likely to feature at centre-back.

Nico Gonzalez is likely to start alongside Mateo Kovacic in midfield after an impressive display at the weekend. Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, having been rested, are set to return to the starting lineup, with Phil Foden operating on the right. In attack, Erling Haaland remains the focal point, having netted twice in the first leg. Omar Marmoush netted a fantastic hattrick in the last match but the Egyptian is likely to start on the bench,

Real Madrid vs Man City Predicted Playing 11

Real Madrid: Courtois, Valverde, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe

Manchester City: Ederson, Lewis, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gonzalez, Foden, De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Haaland