Real Madrid host Manchester City in the Champions League at the Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday.
The La Liga giants are aiming for a second consecutive victory in the competition, after beating Olympiacos 4-3 last time out.
Man City are looking to bounce back from a 2-0 home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.
Match preview
Madrid lost 2-0 to Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday, increasing the pressure on manager Xabi Alonso. A defeat to City could prove decisive for his future.
Despite their poor league form, Los Blancos are in a good position to qualify automatically for the Champions League knockout stage.
While Madrid have their work cut out against City’s attack, they can also hurt them through the pace of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
City have won their last three games, including a 3-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland on Saturday, and they head into this clash with confidence.
Pep Guardiola’s side have one of the best attacks in Europe, and will fancy their chances against Madrid’s leaky defence. However, City must improve defensively to secure a positive result.
Head-to-head
The two sides have met 14 times in the Champions League. Madrid have recorded six wins, while City have four, and the other four matches have ended in draws.
Team news
Madrid will be without Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal.
Midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Rodri are City’s fitness concerns.
Key players
Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe: The competition’s top scorer with nine goals. He has also netted seven times in seven matches against City.
Thibaut Courtois: One of Europe’s best goalkeepers, his performance could prove crucial for the hosts.
Man City
Erling Braut Haaland: The Cityzens’ top scorer across all competitions. He has scored two goals in five matches against Madrid.
Phil Foden: In blistering form, scoring five goals in the last three matches.
Stats from uefa.com, transfermarkt.com & sofascore.com.
