We are in the last phase of the season but the big games don’t stop coming for Real Madrid and they are just ten days away from welcoming Manchester City to Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie. It is expected to be a very tight game between two of Europe’s best teams.
The two teams had met in the semi-final of the competition last season as well and played out an absolute classic. For 180 minutes, it had looked like Manchester City were on their way to the final. But then Rodrygo scored in the 90th and 91st minute of the second leg to send the tie into extra-time, with Karim Benzema eventually cropping up with the winner.
Manchester City will surely want to rectify that mistake from the past, when they let the tie slip through their fingers. On the other hand, Real Madrid are chasing their 15th Champions League title.
Manchester City have been handed a problem ahead of such an important tie though. Kevin De Bruyne was left out of their squad in the game against Fulham.
Manchester City suffer Kevin De Bruyne blow before Real Madrid game
As reported by the Mirror, Guardiola said about De Bruyne while speaking to Sky Sports:
"“He doesn’t feel good. He has some injury and could not travel.”"
When asked if he knew when De Bruyne might be back, Guardiola replied:
"“No, I don’t know.”"
It goes without saying that De Bruyne is one of the most important players that Manchester City have. And if they end up having to face Real Madrid without him then that would be a major blow to their chances.
Of course, Real Madrid cannot spend time thinking about that. They must prepare for the best version of Manchester City. And if anything lower than that shows up at Santiago Bernabeu, that would be considered a big bonus.