Real Madrid welcome Manchester City to the Spanish capital tonight hoping history can repeat itself.
The La Liga giants knocked out Pep Guardiola's men in the Champions League semi-finals last term and the two teams lock horns in the last four once again. The first leg in the Bernabeu takes place tonight with the Etihad return following next Wednesday.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been boosted by the return to fitness of midfielder Luka Modric who came off the bench in Saturday's Copa del Rey victory over Osasuna. The Croatia international will return to the starting XI with his experience a crucial cog in the Real system. "He can play without problem," said Ancelotti of the 37-year-old. "He is going to play."
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Federico Valverde is set to be alongside him in the midfield and Ancelotti must then decide on whether Aurélien Tchouaméni or Toni Kroos will complete the trio.
Eduardo Camavinga was utilised at left-back for the cup final success and is set to continue with Eder Militao suspended for the first leg. Former Chelsea man Antonio Rudiger will come back into the side to partner David Alaba at centre-back with Dani Carvajal on the right and Thibaut Courtois in goal.
The front three pick themselves with Karim Benzema, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior forming a potent frontline that will test City's backline. Madrid will be without Ferland Mendy who is struggling with a calf injury while Dani Ceballos is also a doubt but has been included in the squad. The likes of Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard are likely to have to make do with a place on the bench.
Predicted Real XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Modric, Tchouaméni; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
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