Real Madrid are heading towards the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna this weekend. It goes without saying that this is a very important game for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. They can put their league disappointments behind them by winning some silverware. The big games just keep coming for Los Blancos though.
Just three days later, they will be welcoming Manchester City to Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. And it is arguably an even more important game.
Manchester City have been in top form lately and are looking to win a treble this season. It is hard to remember the last time Real Madrid lost a two-legged tie though and are 14-time winners of the Champions League. Thus, it is hard to pick a favourite in this tie and things are expected to be very tight.
There is some good news for Manchester City heading into the game though, as it looks like Kevin De Bruyne is closing in on fitness. As reported by the club’s official website, Pep Guardiola said regarding the situation of the Belgian:
"“He trained yesterday and (was) good. He will train today, and we will decide.“He has been missing one week or 10 days and at this time of the season, that is not a problem. It’s like Nathan – if he’s fit he can play.”"
De Bruyne injury news before Real Madrid game
De Bruyne is one of the best players in the world. He has been dealing with an injury lately and if he regains fitness before the game against Real Madrid then that would be a huge boost for Manchester City for sure.
The two sides met in the same stage of the competition last season as well. On that occasion, Real Madrid came out on top in thrilling fashion. Rodrygo scored in the 90th and 91st minute of the second leg to take the tie to extra-time, where Karim Benzema scored the winner.
On this occasion, it will be interesting to see how things play out. This time around, Manchester City have Erling Haaland though and if Real Madrid are to reach the final, they will have to find a way to stop the Norwegian. Easier said than done.