Carlo Ancelotti recalls Eduardo Camavinga and Eder Militao, ensuring Real Madrid has a fully available squad for the Etihad showdown
The Etihad Stadium in Manchester hosts a football spectacle this Wednesday: the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Manchester City and Real Madrid. The result will decide which club advances to contend for Europe’s premier prize.
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The City without Aké could field a familiar XI from the first leg
For the decisive clash, Manchester City, coached by Pep Guardiola, meet a potential setback with Nathan Aké’s uncertain fitness. Although his absence is not confirmed with absolute certainty, the signs point to him missing the match. In his stead, the starting lineup is expected to mirror the shape used in the first leg: a 1-3-5-1-1 formation featuring John Stones alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri at the heart of midfield, with the defense arranged in a 1-4-2-3-1 structure. Kyle Walker and Manuel Akanji typically flank the backline, Ruben Dias anchors the defense, and Ederson Moraes guards the goal.
On the attacking front, Guardiola could again rely on Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva, operating behind Kevin De Bruyne as the team chases to reclaim possession from Real Madrid. Up front, Erling Haaland—the standout forward from the first leg—will aim to deliver once more, contending with Madrid’s resilience as he seeks another influential performance.
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Madrid’s doubts and decisions
Real Madrid arrive with a refreshed squad. Carlo Ancelotti has overseen a rapid return for Eduardo Camavinga, who suffered a knee injury against Getafe but is cleared to feature at the Etihad. Whether he starts on the left or takes a different role depends on tactical choices. If Camavinga starts, David Alaba may adjust to a central position to balance the defense. Antonio Rudiger, who impressed in the first leg and has been confirmed to start, would line up alongside Militao in central defense if Camavinga takes a wider role. Dani Carvajal will be on the right, with Thibaut Courtois protecting the goal.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti faces another high-profile decision in midfield. He previously experimented with Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Fede Valverde together, yet there is a potential plan to place Valverde in a more advanced position or even deploy Aurélien Tchouaméni or Camavinga in the middle to add dynamism and control. If such a setup is chosen, Rodrygo Goes could feature as a late forward alongside Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior, with Rodrygo possibly stepping back to a wider role if needed. This strategic flexibility aims to exploit Madrid’s pace and stamina, especially in key moments of the second half when fresh legs could shift the balance.
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ALIGNMENTS OF MANCHESTER CITY VS. REAL MADRID
Manchester City (1-3-5-1-1): Ederson; Walker, Ruben Dias, Akanji; Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Stones, Gundogan, Grealish; De Bruyne; Haaland
Real Madrid (1-4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba/Camavinga; Modric, Kroos, Fede Valverde; Rodrygo/Tchouameni, Benzema, Vinicius
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE MANCHESTER CITY VS. REAL MADRID
THE CALL FOR THE MANCHESTER CITY VS. REAL MADRID
For now, Manchester City have not made their squad call-up public.
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INJURED AND CREATED BY MANCHESTER CITY VS. REAL MADRID
THE CITY OF MANCHESTER
REAL MADRID
SCHEDULE AND WHERE TO SEE LIVE MANCHESTER CITY VS. REAL MADRID
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Manchester City upcoming matches
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Methods of official broadcast depend on regional availability and platform rights. Updates will reflect any changes to broadcast plans and coverage windows as the match approaches.
Source: Goal