Real Madrid and Manchester City will have some of Europe's superstar talents on display when they meet in the Champions League tonight (March 11th). Once again the two sides have been pitted against one another in Europe's elite club competition.
Pep Guardiola's men are the favorites to advance to the quarter-finals and they beat Los Blancos during the league phase. Alvaro Arbeloa will be without several key players including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
It will be intriguing to see how both managers set their teams up and who starts at the Santiago Bernabeu. What's even more compelling is trying to decide on a joint XI between the two clubs and that's what The Real Champs have tackled based on current form.
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Deciding between Gianluigi Donnarumma and Thibaut Courtois is an impossible task. But based on their exploits this season the Italian just takes the number one jersey.
Donnarumma was under pressure to live up to expectations at City after arriving from PSG. He has more than done that, putting in world class performances between the sticks.
Guardiola is in awe of his Italian shot-stopper and rightfully so. He's kept 14 clean sheets in 33 games across competitions.
Matheus Nunes
There should be more recognition shown towards Matheus Nunes and his transformation at City. He's moved from central midfield and become one of Europe's most reliable right-backs.
The Portuguese took Guardiola's vision on board and has more than delivered, playing a key role in his team's campaign. He has appeared 36 times across competitions, posting one goal and seven assists.
Marc Guehi
Madrid were reportedly interested in signing Marc Guehi but decided not to match City's 23m euros offer to Crystal Palace in January. The Spaniards might regret that decision given the English center-back has been sensational for the Cityzens.
Guehi has made an instant impact and truly helped his new team in their pursuit of the Premier League title. His pace, dominance in duels and aerial abilities have been on display at the Etihad.
Center-back: Antonio Rudiger
This was a tricky one to decide because Ruben Dias is enjoying a fine season. But when Antonio Rudiger has been fit he's been one of Madrid's most important players.
The German was superb in the play-offs against Benfica, reminding fans just how influental he can be. If he's at his best, he is without doubt one of Europe's top central defenders who will be vital against City in the last 16.
Left-back: Nico O'Reilly
The rise of Nico O'Reilly has been astounding and he could be on the plane with England to the World Cup this summer. The 20-year-old is one of the first names on Guardiola's teamsheet and has a habit of coming up with a goal or two.
O'Reilly has registered six goals and five assists in 41 games across competitions. He just takes the left-back spot over Alvaro Carreras who has been performing well since joining from Benfica.
Midfield:
Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde's playmaking brilliance would be a dream for City's attackers and the Uruguayan is unquestionably one of the best midfielders in world football. His versatility is also outstanding, able to thrive at right-back when asked to perform the role.
While Aurelien Tchouameni has been in fine form, Valverde is Madrid's Mr Consistent. He'd make any team in European football and has lit up the Bernabeu this season with three goals and 12 assists in 38 games across competitions.
Rodri
There was little chance of leaving Rodri out of this team especially with Madrid reportedly setting their sights on him. He's wanted at the Bernabeu and that speaks volumes.
Rodri has bounced back from injury problems and returned to the domineering world class midfielder that Guardiola has long relied on. He has appeared 24 times across competitions this season, posting two goals.
Rayan Cherki
If Jude Bellingham was fit the Englishman likely slots into the attacking midfield position. But he has been sidelined for a lengthy period and that means Rayan Cherki is selected instead.
The French attacker has impressed since joining City from Lyon last summer, showing incredible creativity. He has bagged nine goals and 10 assists in 37 games across competitions.
Phil Foden has come off the boil in recent months after an excellent start to the season. Cherki has been more consistent and could link up well with
Attack
Kylian Mbappe
There is no way you can draw up a joint XI of Madrid and City players and leave out Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Erling Haaland. All three have to get in that team even if that means harshly leaving Antoine Semenyo out.
Mbappe has been at the peak of his powers this season, breaking records seemingly every month. The French attacker could interchange with Vinicius in a similar fashion to Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale behind Karim Benzema during their glorious Bernabeu spell.
With 38 goals and six assists in 33 games across competitions he has to start. If he's back for the second leg, he could be the difference.
Vinicius Junior
If this team were to be created in the first half of the season there would be a chance Vinicius even fails to make the bench. But the Brazilian has rediscovered form and is back firing on all cylinders.
Vinicius will need to be his side's talisman in the first leg with Mbappe absent. He will look to add to his tally of 13 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions this season.
Erling Haaland
Maybe one day Erling Haaland will be wearing Los Merengues colors and that certainly seems to be on Florentino Perez's agenda. But for now, he is dominating the Premier League with City, and there is a feeling of inevitability every time he surges towards goal.
Haaland has found the back of the net 29 times in 39 games across competitions. The Norwegian is a dream target man and seeing him in a team with Mbappe and Vinicius would be a dream.