Real Madrid have received a major boost ahead of their crucial Champions League play-off second leg against Manchester City, with Carlo Ancelotti confirming the return of key defenders.
Los Blancos pulled off a stunning comeback in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium, overturning a late Erling Haaland penalty to secure a 3-2 victory thanks to goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham.
With the tie now shifting to the Bernabeu, Real hold a slim advantage but injuries have forced Ancelotti to get creative with his squad.
For the past three games, the Madrid boss has deployed midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as a makeshift centre-back alongside 21-year-old Raul Asencio due to defensive absences.
However, Ancelotti confirmed that Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have returned to training, offering a timely boost.
“Rudiger can play from the start, Tchouameni can return to midfield, and Asencio can play as a centre-back,” Ancelotti stated in his pre-match press conference.
While Alaba is unlikely to start after being sidelined since December, Rudiger is expected to return to the XI for the first time since suffering a muscle injury in early February.
There is, however, still uncertainty at right-back. Lucas Vazquez remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Federico Valverde who deputized at full-back in the first leg is carrying a knock from Madrid’s weekend draw against Osasuna.
Ancelotti admitted that Valverde’s fitness will be assessed before kickoff, with Asencio also an option to fill in on the right.
Despite Real’s advantage, Pep Guardiola has played down City’s chances of progressing, claiming his team has just a “1% chance” of making the last-16. Ancelotti, however, dismissed the comments as mind games.
“He really doesn’t think so,” the Italian said. “I’ll ask him before the game. We believe we have a small advantage, and we’ll look to make the most of it by playing just as we did in the first leg.”
With a fully charged Real Madrid ready to defend their lead, all eyes will be on the Bernabeu for what promises to be another thrilling Champions League night.