Second leg playoff Real – City: Ancelotti reveals Real Madrid’s official line-up

At 8 PM (GMT), the grand Santiago Bernabéu will witness a colossal showdown as Real Madrid take on Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League playoff. With a 3-2 advantage from the first leg, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be looking to seal their passage to the Round of 16 against a formidable City side desperate to turn the tide.

The atmosphere at the Bernabéu is electric. Madridistas have arrived in full force, expecting nothing less than a night of magic from their team. Pep Guardiola’s side, despite trailing from the first leg, remain a serious threat. City boast one of the most potent attacks in world football and will be eager to exploit any chink in Madrid’s armor. However, the Spanish giants have been bolstered by the return of defensive stalwarts Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, both of whom missed the first clash at the Etihad.

Ancelotti has opted for his tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation, ensuring a balance of defensive solidity and attacking prowess. Thibaut Courtois retains his place between the sticks, with his presence expected to provide much-needed assurance at the back. The Belgian shot-stopper has been instrumental for Madrid in high-stakes encounters, and his experience will be invaluable.

In defense, Ferland Mendy will have the arduous task of keeping Phil Foden and Savinho at bay. The return of Rüdiger sees him slot into the heart of defense, partnering the promising Raúl Asensio. The young center-back has been in sensational form, growing into a crucial figure for Ancelotti’s side. Federico Valverde, a midfield dynamo, will once again operate as a makeshift right-back in the absence of Lucas Vázquez.

Madrid’s midfield trio will be anchored by Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is set to play a pivotal role in disrupting City’s attacking rhythm. The Frenchman’s ability to break up play and transition the ball forward will be key. Alongside him, Jude Bellingham continues to shine in his debut season, providing a mix of creativity, physicality, and goal threat. Dani Ceballos completes the midfield trio, bringing composure and technical elegance to the setup.

The attacking trident remains unchanged. Vinícius Júnior, fresh off a masterclass in the first leg, will be the main source of flair and explosiveness down the left flank. His ability to take on defenders and create moments of magic will be crucial against a resolute City defense. Leading the line is Kylian Mbappé, whose movement and finishing ability make him a nightmare for opposition defenders. Meanwhile, Rodrygo Goes, known for his clutch performances in the Champions League, will once again look to torment the Manchester City backline.

Manchester City, despite the absence of Manuel Akanji, remain a well-oiled machine. Guardiola will likely field an aggressive lineup, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in midfield. Erling Haaland, relatively quiet in the first leg, will be eager to impose himself on Madrid’s defense. The Norwegian striker’s physicality and goal-scoring instincts pose a significant threat that Madrid must contain.

Ancelotti’s approach is expected to be pragmatic. While Madrid boast an attacking force capable of unsettling City, they will also be mindful of their defensive responsibilities. The experience of Rüdiger and the leadership of Courtois will play a critical role in keeping City’s attacking threats in check.

With the stakes at their highest, individual battles will be key. The duel between Vinícius and Kyle Walker could prove decisive, as could the midfield contest between Bellingham and Rodri. The presence of Mbappé adds another layer of unpredictability, with the French superstar known for his ability to turn games in an instant.

As the teams step onto the hallowed turf of the Bernabéu, the expectations are sky-high. Real Madrid, with their Champions League pedigree, will be eager to assert their dominance. The challenge from City is formidable, but history has shown that Madrid thrive in these high-pressure moments.

Madrid fans will be hoping for a repeat of past famous European nights. The echoes of past comebacks and dramatic victories linger in the air, and the players will be keen to add another chapter to their club’s storied history. The mission is clear—protect the lead, stay composed, and deliver a performance worthy of the Santiago Bernabéu.

Regardless of the outcome, this encounter promises to be a spectacle. Two of Europe’s finest teams, boasting some of the best talents in world football, are set to collide in a high-stakes battle. The Champions League knockout rounds rarely disappoint, and tonight’s clash is set to be another thrilling chapter in the tournament’s rich history.

With the final whistle just hours away, anticipation is at its peak. Real Madrid and Manchester City are ready to battle for supremacy, and fans worldwide are in for a breathtaking night of football.