Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Manchester City for second leg of Champions League semifinal
LW Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr. scored a sensational solo goal in the first leg, dusting Fernandinho on a signature nutmeg turn. The left winger has been one of Real Madrid’s most important players this season, quite literally the difference in leading the Merengues to a successful LaLiga title.
Poised to have a more difficult matchup in the second leg, Vini Jr. is one of those players who rises to a different level with the home support at the Santiago Bernabeu. After all, he had the tie-winning cross for Karim Benzema against Chelsea and was untouchable one-v-one in the prior round vs. PSG in the second leg at the Bernabeu. Vini Jr. is Real’s X-Factor, and that is a fact that could prove decisive this Wednesday.
CF Karim Benzema
Now sitting on 12 goals in the 2021/22 Champions League after his decisive brace at the Etihad, Karim Benzema is within striking distance of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record. Benzema has been automatic in front of goal during the knockout stages, willing Madrid to victory and producing a historic back-to-back hat-trick against PSG and Chelsea.
What will Benzema able to do against Manchester City after his first-leg Panenka? Benz is full of surprises in his march to the Ballon d’Or, and it would be an upset if he didn’t score at the Bernabeu. Maybe the question is, can he strike more than once? Because that may be necessary to knocking out this elite City side.
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RW Fede Valverde
No matter where, Fede Valverde has to start. With Casemiro returning, a start on the right wing seems most likely, as it was the position he found a great deal of success in previous Champions League successes. Fede’s ability to support Dani Carvajal on the right flank could be make-or-break for Madrid, and his overall energy could mean the difference between victory and defeat in this do-or-die knockout match.
Rodrygo Goes is coming off a Man of the Match display against Espanyol and is in great form, but Carlo Ancelotti may prefer him as an impact sub if the team needs offense, just as he was against Chelsea. Valverde is too important with his running and defensive work, which is where Real lost the last by conceding four times to City at the Etihad.