Champions League: Militao to start second leg for Madrid, ‘injured’ Foden should be okay for City
It was an epic Champions League quarter-final first leg between Real Madrid and Manchester City on Tuesday night, as six goals were shared at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, it does mean that Los Blancos will be significantly disadvantaged for the return leg at the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday, as they take no lead into that one.
Another blow for Real Madrid is that they cannot count on Aurelien Tchouameni for the trip to Manchester, as he has picked up a one-match suspension, following a yellow card in the first leg. That is very bad news for Carlo Ancelotti, although he confirmed to Movistar+ (via Marca) that Eder Militao is a serious option to replace the Frenchman – which would be his first start since tearing his ACL in August.
“We have the option of Nacho, who we always have confidence in, and also Militao.”
On that match itself, Ancelotti felt that his tactical decision to start Rodrygo on the left, Vinicius as a striker, and Bellingham in a number 10 role was successful, and that Man City was surprised by it.
“I think we surprised them. With the second goal, it was a perfect play, the two combined very well on the left wing. With Vini and Rodrygo we could create chances, and we did it. I’m satisfied.”
Even though Real Madrid was unable to take any advantage into the second leg in Manchester, Ancelotti is still satisfied with how the tie stands at this moment. He believes his side are more than capable of winning at the Etihad Stadium, which has been a fortress for Man City for some time now.
“What I wanted was to take a small lead, but we have to be satisfied. We’ve competed and if we do it in the second leg, we can go through.”
Elsewhere, Pep Guardiola has allayed fears that Phil Foden had suffered a serious injury during Manchester City’s Champions League draw with Real Madrid, describing it as just a “knock”.
Foden appeared to suffer a problem late on in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, which ended 3-3 at the Bernabeu.
The England international had earlier scored a sublime goal to continue an outstanding individual season, but his departure late on looked a worry. Guardiola, though, suggested afterward that it was not significant.
“It was a knock,” the Manchester City manager told TNT Sports. “He was grumpy with me because I made the substitution.”
After Bernardo Silva had put the visitors into an early lead, Real Madrid hit back with two goals in quick time to turn the contest around inside the first fifteen minutes.
Foden and Josko Gvardiol’s beautifully taken goals nudged Manchester City back in front, but Fede Valverde struck late on to leave the tie nicely poised ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Foden scored another delightful goal in the 3-3 draw
Foden scored another delightful goal in the 3-3 draw (Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Foden, who clarified that he was dealing with a “bad dead leg”, was pleased to leave the Spanish capital with a draw.
“For the fans, it must have been one of the best games you could have possibly watched, two great teams with possibly the best attackers in the world going head to head,” the 23-year-old said to TNT Sports. “It’s what the fans want to see, with plenty of goals as well.
“Sometimes you score a bit too early. They responded well with two quick goals and we had to settle again. I thought we grew into the game, especially in the second half. I was really happy to make the most of one of my chances. It is a fantastic result to come here and get a draw.”
