Real Madrid News
Official: Manchester City starting lineup against Real Madrid
Manchester City are ready to take on the record-champions of the UEFA Champions League Real Madrid at the fortress Santiago Bernabeu. They lead 4-3 on aggregate but the tie is far from done, especially after the La Liga win Madrid are surfing on.
Kyle Walker returns to the starting lineup, replacing John Stones from the first leg, and starts as the right-back. Joao Cancelo, too, starts after serving his suspension. Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias form the centre-back duo with Ederson in goal.
Things are unchanged in midfield for Pep Guardiola, who has resorted to Kevin de Bruyne as the left central midfielder. Bernardo Silva continues on the right side of the trident, with Rodri anchoring as the defensive midfielder.
Gabriel Jesus will hope to continue his impeccable form as he starts as the striker, flanked by Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden on the right and left-wing respectively.
π΅ #UCL π§πππ π‘ππͺπ¦ π΅
β Manchester City (@ManCity) May 4, 2022
XI | Ederson, Walker, Dias (C), Laporte, Cancelo, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Mahrez, Jesus, Foden
SUBS | Steffen, Carson, Ake, Sterling, Gundogan, Grealish, Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Egan-Riley, Palmer, McAtee, Lavia#ManCity pic.twitter.com/x673mIr531
Confirmed Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Bernardo, Rodri, de Bruyne; Mahrez, Jesus, Foden
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
