Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti will no doubt already be thinking through the next 90 minutes, and possibly longer, against Manchester City next week. There is one dilemma that stands out more than any other.
Los Blancos have a relatively settled team for the big games these days, and Ancelotti used it against Pep Guardiola on Tuesday night, albeit with tactical tweaks.
The key issue will be in defence – after Antonio Rudiger did an excellent job of subduing Erling Haaland, Ancelotti will have to decide whether to continue with the German, or reinstate Eder Militao, who was suspended for the first leg.
As Diario AS point out, Haaland only had 21 touches, completing 9 of his 12 passes, and struck just two shots. Neither was on target, and the only time Haaland escaped Rudiger’s attention, David Alaba, who looks set to continue either way, slid in to block Haaland’s effort.
Given Militao’s erratic form of late, the question will be whether Ancelotti messes with a working formula. The Brazilian has been Real Madrid‘s best defender this season with the exception of the last few weeks, where he has committed a series of mistakes leading to goals being conceded.
More likely than not, Ancelotti will return to Militao, who has been trusted throughout the season. He was used in the Copa del rey final against Osasuna, and the sense is that he feels Militao belongs in his strongest XI.
Bezcemors
439
Don't put much mind on Haaland, the guy rarely scores with big teams focus on Kevin D
AustinZeus
383
he should move alaba to the left back so that camavinga can come in as sub or starts from the midfield....then RUDIGER and militao starts at the back...
Fuuaeilpsu
362
Let him stick with Alaba Rudiger....Militao had been exceptional all season long but of recent he was just too bad for a defender....He can't stop Haaland
minimizer
354
Militao is too overconfident and he plays risky ball with makes him lose possession always. He always overlap wic will give haaland space
Nganyewo
333
I'll prefer this in the return leg 🔥🔥🔥
CGM
226
Please stay with Rudiger I'm begging you he is a monster
Hitacers
192
No headache at all. I think it's rather a positive news. With 4-2-3-1 formation, Lb- Alaba , Cbs - Militao and Ridriger, Rb Carvajal. Two pivots - Camavinga and Kross, The tree playing upfront should be - Vinicius, modric and valvede respectively, with benzima upfront.. substitutes will be, Tchouameni for Kroos, Rodrigo for Modric then Valvede will move deep as an attacking midfielder.