Dafayanuidiris
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In their previous encounter less than a year ago, Manchester City dominated over two legs, ultimately securing a resounding 5-1 victory and progressing to the final. Real Madrid endured a humbling defeat, particularly at the Etihad Stadium, and they are eager to redeem themselves this time around.
Under Carlo Ancelotti's guidance, Real Madrid have been in scintillating form, going unbeaten in their last 13 matches across various competitions. Despite some struggles in the Copa del Rey earlier in the year, they managed to navigate past RB Leipzig in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Real Madrid's home record has been formidable, with a streak of 26 matches without defeat at the Bernabeu. However, they face a formidable opponent in Manchester City, who boast an impressive attacking prowess.
Pep Guardiola's side has been in scintillating form, scoring three goals in each of their eight Champions League matches so far this season. They enter the Bernabeu on the back of a 10-match winning streak in the competition and an overall unbeaten run of 21 games.
Both teams arrive at this encounter in strong domestic form as well, with Real Madrid leading La Liga and Manchester City keeping pace with the top teams in the Premier League.
The clash promises to be a thrilling encounter between two footballing giants, with both managers, Ancelotti and Guardiola, vying for supremacy in the Champions League, a competition they both hold dear.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
In Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid squad, Eder Militao has returned from a serious ACL injury, leaving only Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba in the infirmary with their knee issues. Dani Ceballos has resumed training with the group after a period of individual sessions last week.Militao made his second appearance of the season as a late substitute against Athletic at the end of March. However, Ancelotti might opt to ease him back into the starting lineup gradually, considering his limited playing time so far.
Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior, who missed the last La Liga match due to suspension, is eligible to play again, potentially displacing Brahim Diaz to the bench against his former club, Manchester City.
Manchester City has faced defensive setbacks recently, with Josko Gvardiol sustaining a minor injury during their Premier League match against Crystal Palace. While Gvardiol's availability for the first leg remains uncertain, Kyle Walker is unlikely to feature due to a hamstring injury, although he is attempting to recover in time. Nathan Ake is also expected to miss out due to a calf injury.
Even if Gvardiol is ruled out, Manuel Akanji has shown his capability at left-back, providing an option for Pep Guardiola. Additionally, Ederson, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden are expected to return to the starting lineup after recovering from their respective fitness issues.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Akanji; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Doku, Haaland, Foden
EXPERT PREDICTION
Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City
Expect plenty of goals at the Bernabeu, echoing the trend from the previous season. However, just like in 2022-23, predicting a winner in the Spanish capital is difficult. We foresee a tightly contested match, likely ending in a closely-fought draw in Tuesday's first leg. This outcome would be favorable for Guardiola's side, considering last year's results.
