72 hours before Man City, one bad news and two good news for Carlo Ancelotti

**UTANG MFIN**

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**UTANG MFIN**

**UTANG MFIN**

Sport72 hours before Man City, one bad news and two good news for Carlo AncelottiPublished 19 hours ago on February 17, 2025By ENOCH

Real Madrid is preparing for one of the most important matches of their season as they get ready to face Manchester City in the second leg of the Champions League knockout stage. With a 3-2 win from the first leg at the Etihad Stadium, Los Blancos have the upper hand, but the challenge remains immense as Pep Guardiola’s team aims to overturn the deficit at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Carlo Ancelotti has received both encouraging and discouraging news before the crucial match. The positive update comes in the form of defensive reinforcements. David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, who were unavailable for the first leg due to muscle injuries, are on track for a return. According to Marca, both players are recovering well and are expected to be fit for selection. This boost could be crucial as Madrid looks to counter City’s attacking strength.

The return of Alaba and Rüdiger will be a great relief for Ancelotti, who had to field an improvised defense at the Etihad. The defensive instability was evident, as City constantly threatened Real Madrid’s goal. However, with the experience and calmness these two veterans bring, Madrid’s defense should be much more structured and resilient.

However, not all news is positive for Ancelotti. Lucas Vázquez remains a significant doubt for the match. The Spanish full-back has not yet returned to full training and was missing from Sunday’s session. The medical staff is working hard to get him fit for the match, but his chances of being available seem slim at the moment.

With Vázquez unlikely to feature, Ancelotti may need to rely on Federico Valverde to step in at right-back once more. The versatile Uruguayan midfielder has taken on various roles this season, and his defensive duties will be key in containing Omar Marmoush, Manchester City’s newest recruit, who impressed in the Premier League over the weekend and is expected to start at the Bernabéu.

Valverde’s discipline in defense, alongside his ability to contribute offensively, could be a game-changer for Madrid. His duel against Marmoush will be one of the main battles to watch as City look to exploit Madrid’s defensive weaknesses.

While Real Madrid’s defense gains much-needed reinforcements, their attack remains as potent as ever. Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo will again be the main threats, looking to take advantage of any gaps left by City’s aggressive play. The trio played a key role in the first leg, and their combined efforts will be crucial for Madrid’s attempt to secure their place in the next round.

Another player to watch will be Raúl Asensio, who has been outstanding in recent weeks. The young midfielder’s creativity and energy have added a fresh dimension to Madrid’s game, and his presence could trouble Guardiola’s midfield.

On the other hand, Manchester City will enter this match with a clear strategy: dominate possession and press high. Guardiola knows Madrid is dangerous on the counterattack, so he will likely urge his players to minimize defensive mistakes and keep the pressure on Madrid’s backline.

With Erling Haaland leading the attack, City’s offensive threat should not be underestimated. The Norwegian forward had a quiet first leg but will be eager to make his mark in the return fixture. His physicality and finishing ability will pose a significant threat to Madrid’s defense.

The Santiago Bernabéu is set to witness another thrilling European night. Both teams possess immense quality and tactical acumen, making this match a highly anticipated encounter. The atmosphere will be electric, and Madrid’s supporters will play a major role in driving their team toward qualification.

Ancelotti, a master of handling high-stakes matches, will face difficult decisions regarding his team selection and tactics. Whether he opts for a more defensive approach or chooses a more attacking formation will be interesting to watch.

As the countdown to Wednesday night continues, all eyes will be on Madrid’s final preparations. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and with one piece of bad news and two pieces of good news, Ancelotti and his squad will be determined to make a statement and secure their spot in the next round of the Champions League.