Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are in the Real Madrid matchday squad to take on Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Real Madrid will aim to book a spot in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 when they host Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu in the knockout phase playoff second leg on Wednesday night. Carlo Ancelotti has greeted positive updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have recovered from their issues, with the duo fit and available to take on Manchester City as part of the matchday squad. So, Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal are the only players on the sidelines for the home side.
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti provided a fitness update on Rudiger and Vazquez. The Italian tactician also addressed questions on the composition of his starting lineup for Wednesday’s game.
The Real Madrid manager said, “He’s [Vazquez] not ready yet. He might start on the bench, but he hasn’t completed his recovery programme yet. I have no doubts. The doubts have been dispelled.”
“Rüdiger can play from the start, Tchouameni as a pivot and Asencio as a centre-back. We have to see how Valverde is because he trained today and is feeling good. We have an extra day of recovery because he was injured in the Osasuna game. Asencio can even play at right back.”
Antonio Rudiger should return to the starting lineup, pairing up with Raul Asencio in the central defensive partnership. Thibaut Courtois will be an automatic pick between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Manchester City on Wednesday. Federico Valverde and Ferland Mendy should start as the two full-backs.
As for the midfield unit, Aurelien Tchouameni should return to the double pivot, where he will pair up with Eduardo Camavinga. Jude Bellingham will reprise the no. 10 role, with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior being the two wide attackers. Finally, Kylian MBappe will lead the line for the home side against Manchester City on Wednesday.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe
