Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch at Manchester City

CB Eder Militao

Real Madrid will turn to Eder Militao on Friday night at the Etihad Stadium with Sergio Ramos out due to a suspension for picking up a red card in the first leg. The Captain’s absence could be a huge blow, but Militao has shown that he can stand tall in the big games, including against San Mames in the march to the 34th La Liga title.

There is something different about playing against Manchester City, though, even if the Citizens won’t have Sergio Aguero in the lineup. Gabriel Jesus is no slouch at striker either, and Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez can rival any other wide forward duo in European football.

Militao will be on his toes on Friday, but there’s nothing shaky about the 22-year-old. The former FC Porto man has experience playing at a high level in the Champions League, even if the setting and opponent are of a different caliber.

A lot will be riding on Militao’s performance in the second leg, but Real Madrid fans have every reason to believe in the 50 million euro signing. To this point, all he’s done is show Madridistas that he can be the future at the center back position for Los Merengues.