Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Manchester City | OneFootball

Real Madrid have announced the starting lineup for their crucial UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs encounter against Manchester City.

Real Madrid go into the first leg, being played at the Etihad Stadium, without several key defenders like Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba.

As such, two midfielders start in the defensive line for Los Blancos tonight with Federico Valverde slotting in at right-back and Aurelien Tchouameni at centre-back.

Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy complete the Merengues’ backline that will shield Thibaut Courtois in goal.

Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga, back from injury last week, starts in midfield alongside Dani Ceballos, given that both Valverde and Tchouameni are playing in defence. Jude Bellingham occupies the third slot in the centre of the park.

Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe form the attacking trifecta for the reigning champions of Europe and will need to be at their best for Real Madrid to come away with an advantage from the first leg.