The Real Champs
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Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Manchester City

By Kevin Parvizi

VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 22: Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid runs with the ball during the Liga match between Levante UD and Real Madrid CF at Ciutat de Valencia on February 22, 2020 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 22: Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid runs with the ball during the Liga match between Levante UD and Real Madrid CF at Ciutat de Valencia on February 22, 2020 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid AM Isco
VITORIA GASTEIZ, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 30: Isco of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid at the Estadio de Mendizorroza on November 30, 2019 in Vitoria Gasteiz Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

CAM/LW Isco

With Eden Hazard injured, Real Madrid may turn to Isco as the left winger against Manchester City, utilizing him in a role similar to the one he fulfilled in November against PSG. Isco can succeed in this capacity, but he must be active on both ends of the pitch to avoid Pep Guardiola exploiting the player’s tendencies to occupy more central spaces.

Real could also use Isco as the leader in a diamond formation or the main attacking midfielder in a more standard 4-3-3. Whatever the case, Isco has been resurgent for Real and was once again among their best players despite the loss to Levante.

The way Isco has taken charge of situations and improved his decision-making as a passer has been key. Isco could be the catalyst for a Champions League title run in 2019-2020.

CF Karim Benzema

Despite notching 17 goals and 8 assists in all competitions this season, Karim Benzema has drawn criticism from Real Madrid fans for his recent performances. Much of that criticism is unduly harsh and overlooks the forward’s value to the squad, but it is fair for a club of this magnitude to expect more than 1 goal in the last 9 games from its center forward.

Benzema will be up against a Manchester City defense that suddenly looks dangerous again, thanks to the return of top-quality center back Aymeric Laporte, who is a familiar name to most Madridistas.

Laporte will likely line up next to the extremely under-appreciated Fernandinho, who is one of the best defense-minded players in the world. These two will make life extremely difficult for Benzema. However, the 32-year-old has the quality to create space for himself (and others). He’ll need to be at his creative and clinical best on Wednesday night.

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