Champions League quarter final first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu would surely demand the very best XI at Pep Guardiola’s disposal.
Tuesday night sees reigning English and European champions Manchester City roll into the Spanish capital to face perennial Champions League winners, Real Madrid. Two of the top teams on the planet; a plethora of super star players; and a Santiago Bernabéu with the roof completely closed. But something is missing from the start: a certain Kevin de Bruyne.
Pep Guardiola spoke ahead of this blockbuster clash and referred to the confidence and positive vibes that are rushing through the veins of his City players. Los Blancos were brushed aside by the team managed by the Barcelona legend in last season’s competition, and a key man in that side in recent seasons has been De Bruyne.
The starting XI is: Ortega Moreno, Akanji, Stones, Dias (C), Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Kovacic, Bernardo, Foden, Grealish, Haaland
There were many eyebrows raised as the news broke that the Belgium international was left on the bench, and from what we’ve gathered, it’s not to do with any injury. Is Pep trying to out-think his opposite number Carlo Ancelotti? The midfielder is a handy player to come on later if things are not going the right way.
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