Real Madrid and Manchester City roll into the Santiago Bernabéu for the first leg of the Champions League semi finals, fresh off a domestic triumph and ready for another European evening under the lights. Carlo Ancelotti’s men return to the big stage with the aim of taking control in the tie, while Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Madrid hoping to push the series toward a favourable second leg. This clash stands as a stern test for both teams, a clash between two of Europe’s most relentless attacking outfits as they chase a place in the final.
Follow live coverage of Real Madrid vs. Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg.
Madrid, awaiting Modrić and facing Militao’s absence
As expected, Madrid carry momentum from their latest trophy and intend to press on. The squad will attempt to translate domestic confidence into continental success, aiming to extend their European campaign with another memorable night. A notable setback is the absence of central defender Éder Militao due to suspension, forcing a reshuffle at the back and potentially handing a midfield starting role to Aurélien Tchouaméni. Luka Modrić’s involvement remains a gray area, as he could feature briefly after a return to fitness, though there is no certainty about his minutes. If Modrić is not involved from the start, Madrid appear prepared to line up with the same core that faced Osasuna in the cup final, preserving continuity in the engine room and attack.
Another option under Ancelotti would be to move Eduardo Camavinga into a central role, leaving Nacho Fernández to man the left side. Yet this change seems unlikely. The Italian coach, known for his willingness to tweak the setup, is likely to trust his tried-and-tested spine: Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, Rodrygo, Karim Benzema, and the irrepressible Vinícius Júnior, with Thibaut Courtois guarding the net.
Be mindful of fantasy and fan engagement as well, with supporters invited to participate in matchday challenges and related activities through official platforms.
City, with Nathan Aké’s fitness doubt
Manchester City arrive at the Bernabéu carrying concerns over Nathan Aké who picked up an issue in the recent league clash. Guardiola’s options at centre-back could swing between a trusted combination of Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte, should Aké miss out, forming a compact backline in a 1-3-5-1-1 shape or possibly a 1-4-3-3 to better press Madrid’s wide threats. Either way, Guardiola will look to deny space to Vinícius Júnior and to leverage City’s pace on the flanks as the visitors seek to control the tempo of the tie.
In midfield, the established trio of Ilkay Gündoğan, Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne will be central figures, with Bernardo Silva likely to operate on the left or right depending on configuration. On the other flank, a battle between Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish will shape City’s width, while Ederson Moraes keeps goal and the defensive line remains anchored by Dias and Akanji. In attack, Haaland stands as the primary goal threat, a goal machine who has shown relentless efficiency this season. The Bernabéu atmosphere will add an extra layer of pressure as Madrid test City’s resilience without Militao in the spine.
City’s hope is to strike a balance between solid defending and clinical finishing, using set pieces and quick transitions to exploit Madrid’s higher line and to keep the ball moving through De Bruyne, Gundogan, and the incisive runs of Haaland. The challenge for Madrid is to disrupt City’s rhythm and to exploit the spaces behind the full-backs as the visitors push forward in search of a goal on the road.
Live coverage and up-to-the-minute updates will be available through official channels and the matchday broadcasts, with fans encouraged to follow for team news and post-match reactions.
Live updates and matchday coverage will be provided via official communications channels.
LINEUPS OF REAL MADRID VS. THE CITY OF MANCHESTER
Real Madrid (1-4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Fede Valverde, Modrić/Tchouaméni, Kroos; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinícius
Manchester City (1-3-5-1-1): Ederson; Dias, Aké/Laporte, Akanji; Walker/Grealish, Rodri, Gündogan, Stones, Bernardo Silva; De Bruyne; Haaland
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Dani Ceballos has joined the squad in a non-playing capacity, remaining with the group as a precautionary measure due to an unspecified injury that prevents him from appearing at the Bernabéu.
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Cited from Goal for match context and cross-checks with official team communications.