If Spanish media reports are to be accepted, Manchester City may have just learned a little bit about the Real Madrid tactical scheme they will encounter the next week.
The second leg of the Champions League semi-final between the two European football heavies will take place the following week, and the winner will advance to the Istanbul final.
Tuesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid put up a fairly dominant display thanks to a magnificent opening goal from Vinicius Junior. However, Kevin De Bruyne blasted a fierce equaliser to ensure a deadlock start the following week as the hosts failed to take advantage.
When it comes to the tactical part of the discussion, Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff might have been given an open goal, as Carlo Ancelotti’s game-plan has supposedly now been “leaked” in Spanish media.
Rodrygo will start as a wide forward for Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on the following Wednesday, according to a “source close to the Real Madrid coach,” according to Radio MARCA.
According to reports, Ancelotti will choose a defensive 4-4-2 formation and Eduardo Camavinga, who played left back against Manchester City in the first leg, would start in midfield.
It is rumoured that Real Madrid will try to extend the game against Manchester City so that extra time or possibly a penalty shootout is more likely and to avoid the game being lost too early.
Next month’s Champions League final will feature AC Milan or Inter Milan vs. Manchester City or Real Madrid. AC Milan holds the advantage going into their second leg with former Etihad striker Edin Dzeko on the scoresheet.
As they head to Goodison Park to play struggling Everton before deciding their Champions League fate, City will look to maintain their commanding lead in the Premier League, while Arsenal takes on Brighton hours later.