Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup vs Manchester City
After a thrilling first leg that ended in a whopping seven-goal encounter, Manchester City edged out Real Madrid 4-3 in the Champions League semi-finals. The second leg is set to go ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Madrid’s starting lineup has been released for the same.
Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr are among the first names on the team sheet after the season they have been having. They start centrally and on the left-wing, with Federico Valverde set to start on the right-wing.
In midfield, Toni Kroos starts alongside Luka Modric, with Casemiro returning as the defensive midfielder after missing the first leg due to injury.
There is a major change in defence as the injured David Alaba has been replaced by Nacho Fernandez. Eder Militao continues alongside the Spaniard as the central defender, while Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy provide width from the back as the right and left fullbacks respectively.
Thibaut Courtois is the final and arguably the most important piece in the puzzle, and will be key in keeping the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez out of goal.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜 🆚 @ManCity! #UCL pic.twitter.com/eeH8Fyhs6x
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 4, 2022
Confirmed Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius
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.
