Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League gives us a modern classic of European football. For the thirteenth time in the history of the tournament, Real Madrid and Manchester City will meet, this time at the Bernabéu stadium.
The context could not be more different for both giants. Those of Xabi Alonso They arrive in a state of alarm after a worrying 2-0 defeat against Celta de Vigo, a result that has called into question the future of the Tolosarra coach.
For their part, those of Pep Guardiola They land in the Spanish capital with high morale after stringing together three consecutive victories in the Premier League, including a 3-0 win over Sunderland. In this way, they are just two points behind Arsenal at the top.
The Meringues They need to improve their image in front of their fans, holding on to their perfect record at home in this Champions League, while the Citizenscurrently ninth in the general table, are looking for a victory that will catapult them back into the direct classification positions (Top 8).
The possible alignment of Real Madrid against Manchester City
BY: Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian is the hope under the sticks to stop the English artillery. His performance will be vital against a depleted defense.
RHP: Federico Valverde – The ‘Falcón’ sacrifices itself again. Given the injuries to Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Uruguayan will once again occupy the right back to provide movement and energy.
DFC: Raúl Asencio – The trial by fire. With Militão injured at the weekend and Alaba still in doubt, the young youth squad will accompany the leader of the defense on a highly demanding European night.
DFC: Antonio Rüdiger – The head of defense. The German will be in charge of the physical battle with Erling Haaland, a duel that has already become a classic of this competition.
LI: Álvaro Carreras – Available in Europe. Although he was sent off in LaLiga at the weekend, the full-back can play in the Champions League and will start due to the loss of Ferland Mendy.
DCM: Aurélien Tchouaméni – He is the player who provides balance to the team. His job will be to protect the inexperienced central defense and win aerial duels against the City players in midfield.
MCO: Dani Ceballos – The Spanish midfielder could return to the eleven to take Camavinga’s place. The Frenchman, who did not have minutes in LaLiga against Celta last Sunday, did not train with the rest of his teammates in Valdebebas and is a serious doubt to receive City.
MCO: Arda Güler – Turkish talent receives confidence in a big match. His vision of the game and last pass will be key to connecting with the forwards and breaking the defensive system that Guardiola will propose.
MCO: Jude Bellingham – The off-roader. Playing freely, he will seek to reach the area from the second line and support the recovery.
DC: Vinícius Junior – The constant imbalance. Their duel for the wing will be Madrid’s main escape route to generate danger.
DC: Rodrygo – Along with Vini would be his compatriot Rodrygo in the attacking duo. Mbappé is a serious doubt for this match due to muscle discomfort in his left leg, and he also has a broken finger. Given this situation, Xabi Alonso could bring Rodrygo into the eleven who needs to reconnect with the goal. We must not rule out the possibility that it is Gonzalo who occupies that position.
This is what Real Madrid’s formation would look like (4-4-2)
- Goalie: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenses: Federico Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, Álvaro Carreras
- Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Dani Cebalos, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham,
- Forwards: Vinícius Junior, Rodrygo
The possible alignment of Manchester City against Real Madrid
BY: Gianluigi Donnarumma – The Italian seeks to keep a clean sheet in an impressive setting. His footwork will be tested by Madrid’s pressure.
RHP: Matheus Nunes – Guardiola insists on this tactical variant. The Portuguese offers numerical superiority in the middle and driving on the right wing.
DFC: Rúben Dias – The defensive leader. Their organization will be key to stopping Mbappé and Vinícius.
DFC: Josko Gvardiol – Solidity and output. The Croatian is essential to overcome the first line of pressure and defend in the open field.
LI: Nico O’Reilly – The young bet continues. The youth player will occupy the left lane, providing freshness and interior association.
DCM: Nico González – The necessary anchor. Given the confirmed absences of Rodri and Kovacic, the Argentine will be in charge of giving balance to the team.
MC: Rayan Cherki – The performance award. After giving two assists against Sunderland (including one for rabona), the Frenchman earns the title in the Champions League to contribute magic and creativity.
MC: Tijjani Reijnders – Pure dynamism. The Dutchman will be in charge of connecting the defense with the attack and entering the rival area.
ED: Phil Foden – Generational talent. Starting from the right or the center, his shooting and vision are lethal weapons for City.
EI: Jérémy Doku – Chaos by the band. His speed and dribbling will seek to exploit the side defended by Valverde.
DC: Erling Haaland – The scorer. He will seek to break his bad streak at the Bernabéu and take advantage of the spaces left by Madrid’s improvised defense.
This is what Manchester City’s formation would look like (4-1-4-1)
- Goalie: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Defenses: Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly
- Midfielder: Nico González
- Midfielders offensive: Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Phil Foden, Jérémy Doku
- Front: Erling Haaland
