Man City vs Real Madrid: 3 non-negotiable starters for Carlo Ancelotti in 2nd leg

2. Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger was one of the unsung heroes for Real Madrid in the 1st leg. While a lot of the post-game discourse was about the attacking element of the game (understandably so, given the quality of the six goals), Rudiger did well to isolate Erling Haaland, not allowing the Norwegian talisman to have a say on the match.

Rudiger has become an important player under Carlo Ancelotti, particularly given Los Blancos' injury woes this season. While Rudiger will have a tougher time containing Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium, last week wasn't his first time sizing up to Haaland and it won't be his last, either.

With David Alaba injured and Tchouameni suspended for this game, the likelihood of Rudiger starting this match was always high anyway. However, given his performance in the 1st leg, his place in the starting eleven is simply non-negotiable.

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