Real Madrid are not in great shape heading into Wednesday’s last-16 first leg against Manchester City. Zinedine Zidane’s side have only won one of their last four matches and have now lost Eden Hazard to another injury. They also face Barcelona in the league this weekend.
Manchester City have won two in a row without conceding since their two-match losing streak. This is Pep Guardiola’s first competitive encounter with old rivals Real Madrid as City head coach. Pressure will be on the Spaniard to deliver this season, particularly with the threat of a Champions League ban next season.
Despite Madrid’s poor recent form, do not write them off. They are big game performers in this competition as the last decade has shown. City, meanwhile, have underperformed in Europe. Guardiola will certainly take a score draw back to the Etihad.
Team News
Real Madrid– Having only just returned from a three-month injury lay-off, Eden Hazard could now miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a hairline fracture in his ankle at the weekend.
Federico Valverde is expected back in midfield and could take Luka Modric’s place in midfield. Ferland Mendy could take Marcelo’s place at left-back. Place bet on Virtual & Live games 24/7
Gareth Bale is expected in Real Madrid’s front three, while Vinicius Junior, Isco and Rodrygo compete to take Hazard’s place on the left wing.