Real Madrid veteran back in training ahead of Manchester City encounter

Following a controversial 1-1 draw against Osasuna, Real Madrid have swiftly turned their attention to the high-stakes UEFA Champions League knockout tie against Manchester City. With a 3-2 first-leg advantage secured at the Etihad Stadium, Los Blancos will look to seal their qualification at the Santiago Bernabeu.

A significant boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad comes in the form of David Alaba’s return to training. The Austrian defender, who had been sidelined due to an adductor injury, is now back on the pitch, adding depth to Madrid’s defensive options ahead of the crucial clash.

Alaba’s recent injury woes have been a source of frustration for both the player and the club. After suffering an ACL rupture that kept him out for nearly a year, the veteran defender made a brief return, only to be sidelined again with an adductor issue. His latest recovery marks a crucial moment as Real Madrid prepare for one of their biggest games of the season.

The absence of Alaba was felt in key fixtures against Leganes, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, and Osasuna. His composure and leadership at the back have been sorely missed, making his return a welcome sight for Ancelotti and his coaching staff.

Ancelotti had previously hinted at a potential return for Alaba, alongside Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez. The Italian manager confirmed that the trio was making progress and expected them to be fit in time for the second leg against Manchester City. Alaba’s quicker-than-expected return to training has further strengthened hopes that he could feature in the starting XI.

Despite his recovery, questions remain about whether Alaba will be thrust directly into the lineup. The Austrian has seen limited minutes this season, and throwing him into such a high-intensity encounter against a City side eager for revenge might be a gamble.

Ancelotti faces a selection dilemma at the heart of his defense. If Rudiger is deemed fit, he is likely to start alongside Nacho Fernandez. However, if Rudiger is not 100%, the Italian manager may have to rely on Aurelien Tchouameni and Raul Asencio, a pairing that delivered a solid performance in the first leg.

Real Madrid’s defensive resilience will be key against a Manchester City side that boasts one of the most potent attacking lineups in world football. The likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden will be looking to exploit any defensive weaknesses, making the decision over Alaba’s inclusion even more critical.

Beyond defensive concerns, Real Madrid will be looking to build on their first-leg performance. The 3-2 victory in Manchester showcased their ability to exploit City’s defensive frailties, with Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham playing pivotal roles in attack.

Bellingham, however, will be under scrutiny following his controversial red card against Osasuna. The English midfielder’s disciplinary issues have been a talking point, and he will need to maintain composure in a game where tempers are likely to flare.

Midfield control will be another crucial aspect of Madrid’s strategy. Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde have been in stellar form, and their battle against City’s midfield maestros will likely dictate the tempo of the match. Luka Modric’s experience could also be called upon, especially if Ancelotti opts for a more conservative approach.

Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is expected to start between the sticks again, given his impressive performances in recent weeks. The Ukrainian shot-stopper has proven to be a reliable presence, making crucial saves in both La Liga and the Champions League.

City’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the first leg, and Madrid will look to capitalize on them once again. Vinicius Jr.’s pace and Rodrygo’s trickery could be decisive, with the duo capable of stretching City’s backline and creating goal-scoring opportunities.

Ancelotti will also be mindful of potential tactical adjustments from Pep Guardiola. The Manchester City manager is known for his strategic flexibility and could tweak his formation to counter Madrid’s attacking threat.

As the countdown to the second leg continues, Real Madrid fans will be eagerly awaiting the final squad announcement. The return of Alaba provides optimism, but Ancelotti must weigh his options carefully to ensure the best possible lineup takes the field.

With a place in the quarterfinals at stake, Real Madrid will need to produce another disciplined and clinical performance. The stage is set for a thrilling night at the Santiago Bernabeu, where history could once again be made.