Ancelotti hasn't flagged up any contemporary injury problems, but exertions for the Etihad Stadium have forced some rotation. Aurelien Tchouameni returns from suspension with to spouse Antonio Rudiger at centre-again.
Numerous nations have witnessed regional broadcasters pick up the legal rights to indicate the match in different territories.
Barca happen to be the better side Nonetheless they possibly require a bit extra in open up Engage in, assuming Carlo Ancelotti reminds his players the best way to protect corners at the crack.
Ousmane Dembele and Pedri can also be out of contention with their particular thigh challenges, but over a brighter Notice, Xavi is hopeful that Ansu Fati's bruised knee will recover in time for the primary leg.
Real Madrid host Barcelona Together with the people in first area dependant on the 1st tiebreaker: goal differential (+19 vs +12). The two sides are both equally unbeaten, with seven wins in addition to a attract Just about every.
Rayo fans have by now liked a unforgettable start to the week, the club possessing declared the signing of Colombia star James Rodriguez the working day before the video game. Defeating Barca would only greatly enhance the celebratory environment.
Xavi has quite a few factors to think about right before he heads into this fixture. The Spanish manager is going to be without the providers of marksman go here Robert Lewandowski who picked up an damage of their former experience.
This should make for an Remarkable tactical struggle for the Bernabeu. Real Madrid will would like for revenge once the way last time ended, given that the Champions League and domestic league double was soured slightly by an inexplicable four-0 defeat in your house to Barcelona in March.
Meanwhile, Barcelona also basically Use a comprehensive roster to select from While they're going to have two obvious absentees from the derby as Gavi and Alex Balde will both equally be unavailable as they're now battling in opposition to accidents.
Xavi's aspect had appeared balanced and mature just before Tuesday's clash with PSG, the place they permitted a tie they have been in comprehensive control of to acquire away from them.
CB: Nacho Fernandez - The only real member of the back four that didn't score within the semi-ultimate, club captain Nacho are going to be happy adequate trying to keep his head down and putting in good displays when Ancelotti has got to rely on him.
78th moment: Madrid contend with this corner and they are from Lunin's prolonged kick. Vinicius tends to make mincemeat of Pedri and prices to goal. Ter Stegen stands up to produce a wonderful preserve.
The Catalan giants are heading into this encounter on the back of a defeat. Xavi’s Males shed 1-0 from Almeria, a end result nobody saw coming. They may have dropped their past two fixtures and can hope to return to profitable ways whenever they sq. up versus Real Madrid.
Not the hosts is going to be playing for nearly anything apart from a win. Even with his staff’s midweek exertions throughout Pretty much 130 minutes, Ancelotti isn’t envisioned to rotate and will very likely industry his strongest XI in opposition to opponents who are still reeling from their own Champions League exit.