La Liga giants Real Madrid, fueled by a way of injustice from the weekend sport in opposition to Valencia, are gearing up for a vital showdown in opposition to RB Leipzig within the Champions League last-16 tie on the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad holds a slim 1-0 lead from the primary leg, hardly a snug cushion for his or her Bundesliga opponents to beat.
In the absence of Jude Bellingham on account of damage, Brahim Diaz stepped up with a stunning solo effort within the first leg, securing the win for Los Blancos.
Despite their victory, Real Madrid needed to climate a number of shut calls from RB Leipzig’s assault, notably from Benjamin Sesko, however managed to carry on to their lead due to some last-ditch defending and heroics from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Since then, Real Madrid’s type has been considerably shaky, with just one win of their final three La Liga matches.
Controversy marred their current sport in opposition to Valencia on the Mestalla, the place they salvaged a draw after being two targets down, just for a last-minute objective to be disallowed amid protests and a crimson card for Bellingham.
Now, with their focus again on the Champions League, the La Liga leaders purpose to keep away from a uncommon early exit, having solely suffered such a destiny as soon as earlier than, in opposition to Ajax in 2018-19.
Leipzig, alternatively, aren’t any strangers to adversity.
Despite their sturdy efficiency within the first leg, they discover themselves trailing and dealing with an uphill battle to progress on the Santiago Bernabeu.
Their current Bundesliga win in opposition to VfL Bochum showcased their attacking prowess, however inconsistency has plagued them in current matches.
With key gamers coming back from suspension and damage, the Bundesliga facet will look to capitalize on any vulnerabilities in Real Madrid’s lineup.
However, they are going to have to be medical in entrance of objective to overturn the deficit and safe a spot within the quarterfinals.
Cityzens’ quest
Meanwhile, recent from their weekend derby triumph, Manchester City are gearing up for a pivotal Champions League conflict in opposition to Copenhagen on the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s facet maintain a commanding two-goal lead after their 3-1 victory within the first leg in Denmark three weeks in the past.
The win marked their seventeenth victory in a outstanding 19-game unbeaten streak throughout all competitions.
In an exciting derby in opposition to Manchester United on Sunday, City confirmed their resilience by coming from behind to safe a 3-1 victory.
Despite conceding an early objective, targets from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland sealed the win for the reigning champions.
With just one level behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, City’s focus is now on their upcoming top-of-the-table conflict.
However, earlier than that, they have to navigate previous Copenhagen to safe their spot within the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the seventh consecutive season.
In the primary leg, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden had been heading in the right direction for City, securing a snug victory.
With a powerful report in opposition to Copenhagen, City will likely be seeking to lengthen their dominance within the competitors.
Copenhagen, alternatively, are dealing with a difficult quest after their defeat within the first leg.
Despite their spirited efficiency within the group stage, together with wins over Manchester United and Galatasaray, they had been outclassed by City within the first leg.
Copenhagen face an uphill battle in opposition to City, particularly contemplating their poor away report within the Champions League regardless of current home victories.
With key gamers lacking on account of damage and suspension, Copenhagen will want a miracle to beat Cityzens’ dominance.
Manchester City’s solely damage concern is Jack Grealish, who’s unlikely to characteristic on account of a groin drawback.
However, the return of Josko Gvardiol will bolster City’s protection, offering Pep Guardiola with extra choices for the match.
Guardiola might choose to make just a few adjustments to his beginning lineup, contemplating their lead and the upcoming fixture in opposition to Liverpool.
Players like Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Julian Alvarez could possibly be handed begins to maintain the squad recent.
Manchester City are in a powerful place heading into the second leg in opposition to Copenhagen.
With their eyes set on a historic treble, they are going to be seeking to safe one other victory and proceed their quest for European glory.
Source: www.dailysabah.com