Carlo Ancelotti Reveals Real Madrid’s Strategy for Manchester City Clash

Los Blancos Hold a Narrow Lead Ahead of Champions League Second Leg

• Real Madrid lead Man City 3-2 on aggregate after first-leg thriller
• Carlo Ancelotti plans to use the same tactical approach in Madrid
• Antonio Rudiger set to return as Madrid look to strengthen defensively

Real Madrid are gearing up for a decisive Champions League showdown against Manchester City, holding a slender 3-2 aggregate lead after a dramatic first-leg victory at the Etihad Stadium. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that his side will stick to the same tactical plan that earned them the advantage in the first encounter.

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Ancelotti Confirms Madrid’s Tactical Approach

“We Will Play the Same Game,” Says Ancelotti

Speaking ahead of the match, Ancelotti emphasized that Madrid won’t be making drastic changes to their approach.

“It will be an entertaining, complicated, and difficult match. We are going to try to prepare well and recover players who can help us.”

He further added:

“We are going to try to play the same game as last week. The idea is this, but with the difficulty of this type of match in a knockout round where we play everything in 90 minutes.”

Madrid’s strategy in the first leg proved effective, as they managed to capitalize on counter-attacks and disrupt City’s rhythm.

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Pep Guardiola’s Bold Claim & Ancelotti’s Response

Guardiola’s “1% Chance” Statement Met with Skepticism

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola claimed that his team has just “1% chance” of overturning the result, a remark that Ancelotti found difficult to believe.

“He really doesn’t think so. I’ll ask him if he really has 1%,” Ancelotti said with a smile.

“We don’t think we have 99%. We think we have a small advantage. We have to take advantage of it and play the same game as in the first leg, where things went well.”

Despite Madrid’s lead, the tie remains finely balanced, and City are more than capable of turning things around.

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Squad Updates: Key Returns for Madrid

Rudiger & Alaba Set for Comebacks

Madrid will receive a major boost in defense, with Antonio Rudiger expected to return to the starting XI after missing the last four matches.

Meanwhile, David Alaba has also recovered from injury and could feature in the squad, while Lucas Vazquez might make the bench. Their returns will help reinforce Madrid’s backline, which relied on an inexperienced Raul Asencio alongside Aurelien Tchouameni in Manchester.

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Can Real Madrid Finish the Job?

With home advantage at the Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid have a golden opportunity to knock out the defending champions. However, Manchester City won’t go down without a fight.

Will Ancelotti’s tactical consistency be enough to secure a spot in the Champions League semi-finals, or will Guardiola’s City stage another dramatic comeback?

Drop your predictions in the comments below!