Real Madrid defied the expectations of almost everyone when they came out winners with a 3-0 scoreline in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Manchester City a week ago.
Federico Valverde scored an amazing first-half hat-trick in that game, which now makes the Merengues the favorites to advance to the next round of the competition. However, they cannot take things for granted just yet, as they once again face the Citizens at the Etihad tonight, and will have to ensure they take full advantage of their score from the first leg.
Alvaro Arbeloa will be going into this game significantly relaxed, not only because of the advantage, but also because of the return of some key players, including Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe. However, as neither of these players featured in the last match against Elche, they would ideally not start tonight either, and might get some minutes off the bench.
Meanwhile, other players, especially Federico Valverde, would enjoy the spotlight. It would also be a big game for Trent Alexander-Arnold as he returns to England, while Thiago Pitarch would also be looking to continue impressing if he again gets a starting spot in this match. The likes of Alvaro Carreras, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo Goes, Eder Militao, Raul Asensia, David Alaba, and Dani Ceballos remain absent for this game.
On the other hand, Pep Guardiola would have his work cut out for him. His side was able to get only a draw against West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday, and thus, the Citizens are not coming into this game in the best of form. Furthermore, he would also be unable to field important players like Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Max Alleyne, and Rico Lewis.
Still, there is enough quality in the Manchester City squad to overturn the score, and it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid would be able to weather the storm in England tonight to continue their UCL journey.
