Tonight, Real Madrid face Man City at the Etihad Stadium. Here are five players who could decide which team goes through in the Champions League.
When the new UEFA Champions League format was unveiled ahead of this season, not many would have anticipated Real Madrid and Man City meeting in the playoffs. Many would have predicted them to compete at the top of the group table instead.
Indeed, this is now the fate of the UEFA Champions League. The two most recent winners of the Big Ears trophy will meet to decide who will go through and who will exit.
After AC Milan was eliminated from the competition last night, there is bound to be at least one more giant killing tonight. At this point, Real Madrid are tipped to go through, and Man City are tipped to exit.
Here are five players who will either look to cement or reverse that likelihood.
5 players who could decide the Real Madrid vs Man City tie
1. Antonio Rudiger
A few years ago, it would've been silly to describe Antonio Rudiger as one of the best defenders in the world, even in what was supposed to be his prime stage.
However, at Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger has aged like a fine wine. He is now one of the best defenders in the world, and having him available again will be a massive boost for Real Madrid.
Antonio Rudiger has locked horns with Erling Haaland before. In fact, the German defender is one of the only players who can boast a nice record against the Norwegian goal machine.
Keep an eye out for that battle. Speaking of...
2. Erling Haaland
He doesn't boast an amazing record against Real Madrid, but this is simply an anomaly in his otherwise impressive record. Erling Haaland is the best goal-scorer in the world, so he should always be feared.
A goal-scorer in the reverse fixture, Erling Haaland will be keen to score in the Spanish capital. His side has underperformed this season, but he remains the saving grace. Let's hope that Rudiger wins this psychological and physical battle again.
3. Jude Bellingham
In many ways, the English superstar has already made his mark on this game. He scored the winning goal at the Etihad Stadium, so if this game remains level, Real Madrid has Jude Bellingham's instinctive positioning and finishing to thank for going through.
Yet, Jude Bellingham has an added incentive. Not only will supporters from both beloved countries be watching him, but Bellingham has a point to prove. He was wrongly sent off in the last league game, so he will want to show the world he's still around in this match.
4. Omar Marmoush
Joining from Frankfurt in the January transfer window, new Man City signing Omar Marmoush got off the mark in fine fashion at the weekend. He not only netted his first Man City goal but bagged his first Premier League hat-trick.
Having only played six minutes in the reverse fixture against Real Madrid, he'll be eager to prove a point. Let's hope the makeshift Ancelotti back-line is up to speed.
5. Vinicius Junior
There was something quite poetic about Vinicius Junior grabbing the winning equaliser against Man City. Their fans must know that he deserved the Ballon d'Or, but even if they don't, it was nice that he proved it with another big moment.
Yet, Vini is one of those players who is proud but never satisfied. He'll be on the hunt for a goal in his home.