Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has decided to start central defender Nacho in place of the suspended Aurélien Tchouaméni for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester City.
This is the only change from the Los Blancos side that drew 3-3 with City at the Bernabéu a week ago. The Italian manager was impressed with how his side performed against the Champions League holders, although he was slightly frustrated with the defensive errors in the build up to the visitors goals.
Veteran Toni Kroos keeps his place in the team and his level of composure on the ball will be needed in an encounter like this, with the hosts expected to dominate possession. Nacho, 34, will lead his team out as captain and will also be bringing a high level of experience, which will be needed in order to prevent Madrid capitulating at the Etihad like they did last season.
The front line is as expected with a very strong front four, which will be looking to take advantage of City’s lack of pace at the back. Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr will operate as split strikers, with Jude Bellingham hoping to put his recent dip of form behind him.
A victory would see Madrid progress to the semi-finals of the competition where they will face the winner of Bayern Munich and Arsenal.
