At 03:00 a.m. Beijing time on April 18, the second leg of the Champions League 1|4 finals will stage a pinnacle battle, and the La Liga Galaxy battleship Real Madrid will challenge the strong Blue Moon Army Manchester City.
Real Madrid after 31 rounds of La Liga, 24 wins, 6 draws and 1 loss, accumulating 78 points, leading the La Liga standings with a huge advantage of 8 points, and in the last 7 rounds, as long as Real Madrid does not drop the chain, it should be a high probability to win the La Liga championship. In the case that the basic situation of the La Liga championship has been decided, Real Madrid will naturally shift more attention to the Champions League, especially the battle of life and death with Manchester City, and they will go all out to play to the death.
In terms of overall strength, Real Madrid and Manchester City are actually between them. However, from the past head-to-head records of the two teams, Real Madrid has only achieved 1 win, 2 draws and 5 losses in the last 8 meetings with Manchester City, which is at a significant disadvantage. In the first leg between the two sides in midweek, Real Madrid drew 3-3 at home to Manchester City. There is no doubt that for Real Madrid, this will be a life-and-death battle with many auspicious and less auspicious. In order to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will definitely play with the strongest squad in his mind without reservation.
In the goalkeeper position, it is natural that Lunin will continue to guard the Real Madrid goal, and at the back, it is not surprising that coach Carlo Ancelotti will continue to play his usual back four, and the four defenders who are expected to start will be Ferran Mendy, Rudiger, Militão and Vazquez. Toni Rudiger and Militão will play in a pairing of centre-backs, while Ferran Mendy and Vazquez will play at wing-back. And Militão's return from injury and whether he can play the highlight of the past is a point of concern.
In terms of midfield, there is no doubt that the main midfielder responsible for interceptions and tackles in Real Madrid's midfield will still be French star Tchouameni, and Tchouameni should be partnered with Tchouameni to form a double midfield combination, which should be German veteran Tony Kroos. In front of the two midfielders, it is natural that England midfield talent Jude Bellingham sits up front as the attacking commander and dominates Real Madrid's attacking line, and the two talented wingers who form the strategy around him should be Rodrygo and Federico Valverde.
On the forward line, it is not surprising that it is the Brazilian genius Vinicius who takes the lead, rushing forward to charge for Real Madrid and carrying the offensive banner. To sum up, the final 11 expected Real Madrid starting XI for this away game against Manchester City are: Lunin, Ferran Mendy, Rudiger, Nacho, Vazquez, Tchouameni, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius