After a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off round in England, Real Madrid is gearing up to host the Citizens in the Spanish capital. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19th, with a 9pm local time (CET) kick-off (3pm ET), a game that will determine who advances to the next round
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup
Predicted Real Madrid XI (4-3-3):
- GK: Thibaut Courtois
- DEF: Valverde (RB), Rüdiger, Tchouaméni (CB), Mendy (LB)
- MID: Camavinga (CDM), Ceballos, Bellingham (CM)
- ATT: Rodrygo (RW), Mbappé (ST), Vinícius Júnior (LW)
Key Changes from First Leg:
- Rüdiger replaces rookie Raúl Asencio in central defense if fit.
- Rodrygo returns to the right wing, displacing Brahim Díaz after his impactful 86th-minute goal in Manchester .
Impact Subs:
- Arda Güler and Endrick offer explosive options off the bench, though Ancelotti may hesitate to start the teenagers in such a high-stakes match
Injury Updates and Team News
Coach Carlo Ancelotti faces concerns with key defenders Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba battling injuries. Both players are recovering from separate muscle injuries, which previously led to Aurélien Tchouameni and Raúl Asencio filling in.
Must Read –Medical Report: Antonio Rüdiger Injury Update 2025
Must Read-Bellingham’s Red Card Controversy: What Real Madrid Fans Need to Know
Ancelotti expressed optimism after the first leg, stating, “Clearly, for the second leg we need Rüdiger and Alaba, I think they will be back for the second leg”. Rüdiger seems more likely to reclaim his starting role1Unfortunately, Lucas Vázquez is confirmed to be out due to a muscle injury. This absence means Fede Valverde will likely continue at right-back.
Adding to the defensive woes, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Joan Martínez are still sidelined with long-term injuries and are unlikely to return this season.
A noteworthy concern is the risk of suspension for several key players. Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouameni, Luka Modrić, and Endrick are all one yellow card away from missing a potential quarter-final first leg.
How Both Teams Are Shaping Up
Real Madrid’s preparation for this crucial game involved a frustrating 1-1 draw against Osasuna. The match saw Jude Bellingham sent off and Eduardo Camavinga penalized. In contrast, Manchester City had a more positive weekend, delivering a dominant 4-0 victory against Newcastle United, highlighted by an Omar Marmoush hat-trick.
Historically, Manchester City has struggled at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, securing victory only once in their previous six visits. Their lone win came in 2020 with a 2-1 scoreline, shortly before the season was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The stakes are high, with either Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen awaiting the winner in the quarterfinals. For Real Madrid, advancing would set the stage for a highly anticipated Madrid derby.
Tactical Notes: How Real Madrid Can Seal Progress
- Exploit Transition Moments:
Madrid’s front three Mbappé (4 UCL goals), Vinícius, and Rodrygo must capitalize on City’s defensive lapses. The trio combined for two goals and an assist in the first leg . - Neutralize Haaland:
Erling Haaland, who netted twice in Manchester, has never scored against Real Madrid in five appearances. Rüdiger’s physicality could be key to silencing the Norwegian . - Manage Suspension Risks:
Ancelotti must balance aggression with caution. A booking for Bellingham or Camavinga would weaken Madrid’s midfield for the quarters .
Historical Context & Stakes
Real Madrid holds a psychological edge at the Bernabéu, where City has only won once (a 2-1 victory in 2020) . A win would set up a potential Madrid derby in the quarterfinals if Atlético Madrid advances, adding extra motivation for Ancelotti’s men
Stay loyal, stay bleeding Madrid! Hala Madrid ❤️
