The Real Madrid starting lineup that has a 99% chance of beating Manchester City

Real Madrid have been handed a huge boost ahead of the Champions League knockout phase playoff second leg against Manchester City by the return to action of Antonio Rüdiger, who will renew his battle with Erling Haaland.

Madrid will, of course, line up with their “Fantastic Four” (Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinicius) in attack. The only likely “surprise” in Carlo Ancelotti’s team is Fede Valverde at right-back, although that hardly comes out of the blue.

Even the Uruguayan himself is getting more comfortable in the role: “I think I’ve done pretty well when I’ve had to play there. I try to contribute, give my all, get forward, defend… If I don’t get many chances in midfield in the future, I’m sure I’ll be a right-back.”

Guardiola: “City have a 1% chance of beating Real Madrid”

City coach Pep Guardiola made headlines before the game by claiming his team only has a 1% chance of progressing to the round of 16. Ancelotti, though, isn’t falling into his counterpart’s trap. “He doesn’t really think that, I’ll ask him before the game.”

Against City, the Italian will use the strongest possible weapons he has at his disposal.

Real Madrid attack guarantees goals

Starting in attack, with Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappé and Vinicius ready to fire Madrid into the next round. Between them, the quartet has scored 66 of Los Blancos' 98 goals this season and the Spaniards will almost certainly progress to the next round if they are anywhere near top form.

With Valverde needed at right-back and Rüdiger returning in central defence, a space has opened up again in midfield for Aurélien Tchouaméni.

The Frenchman has been criticized by many, but is indispensable for Ancelotti. Although Camavinga is also in with a chance of starting, Tchouaméni’s defensive instincts and positional sense put him in pole position.

His partner, no matter how well Luka Modric might be playing, will be Dani Ceballos. The former Betis star has earned his place in the big games with recent performances. His passing accuracy has resembled that of Toni Kroos, exceeding 95% from over 100 passes per game. The 28-year-old has gained Ancelotti’s trust.

Possible Real Madrid XI to play Manchester City

Of those not already mentioned, Thibaut Courtois will take up his usual spot in goal. Rüdiger is expected to be joined in central defence by Raúl Asencio, with Ferland Mendy and Fran García continuing their ongoing battle to be named at left-back. The Frenchman may get the nod for his experience.

The lineup Ancelotti has in mind to face City is: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Ceballos; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé.

Article originally written in Spanish, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.

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