La Liga giants Real Madrid, fueled by a way of injustice from the weekend recreation towards Valencia, are gearing up for an important showdown towards RB Leipzig within the Champions League last-16 tie on the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad holds a slender 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 as a result of damage, Brahim Diaz stepped up with a blinding 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, significantly 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 latest recreation towards Valencia on the Mestalla, the place they salvaged a draw after being two objectives down, just for a last-minute purpose to be disallowed amid protests and a pink card for Bellingham.
Now, with their focus again on the Champions League, the La Liga leaders goal to keep away from a uncommon early exit, having solely suffered such a destiny as soon as earlier than, towards Ajax in 2018-19.
Leipzig, then again, are not any strangers to adversity.
Despite their robust efficiency within the first leg, they discover themselves trailing and dealing with an uphill battle to progress on the Santiago Bernabeu.
Their latest Bundesliga win towards VfL Bochum showcased their attacking prowess, however inconsistency has plagued them in latest matches.
With key gamers getting back from suspension and damage, the Bundesliga aspect will look to capitalize on any vulnerabilities in Real Madrid’s lineup.
However, they’ll should be medical in entrance of purpose to overturn the deficit and safe a spot within the quarterfinals.
Cityzens’ quest
Meanwhile, contemporary from their weekend derby triumph, Manchester City are gearing up for a pivotal Champions League conflict towards Copenhagen on the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s aspect 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 exceptional 19-game unbeaten streak throughout all competitions.
In an exhilarating derby towards Manchester United on Sunday, City confirmed their resilience by coming from behind to safe a 3-1 victory.
Despite conceding an early purpose, objectives 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 need 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 on track for City, securing a snug victory.
With a formidable report towards Copenhagen, City will probably be seeking to lengthen their dominance within the competitors.
Copenhagen, then again, 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 towards City, particularly contemplating their poor away report within the Champions League regardless of latest home victories.
With key gamers lacking as a result 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 function as a result of a groin downside.
However, the return of Josko Gvardiol will bolster City’s protection, offering Pep Guardiola with extra choices for the match.
Guardiola could decide to make a couple of modifications to his beginning lineup, contemplating their lead and the upcoming fixture towards Liverpool.
Players like Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Julian Alvarez may very well be handed begins to maintain the squad contemporary.
Manchester City are in a robust place heading into the second leg towards 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