‘Mind games’, ‘They leak line ups to get into Pep’s head’ – Man City fans react to Carlo Ancelotti’s leaked lineup for Real Madrid Semi-final CL clash

Real Madrid’s starting XI to face Manchester City in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final has reportedly been leaked.

Pep Guardiola’s side will face Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night, with a place in the final at stake.

The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at Bernabeu Stadium, with Kevin de Bruyne cancelling out Vinicius Jr’s strike.

The tie is finely balanced and both teams have a chance to progress to the final, where they will meet either Inter Milan or AC Milan.

Carlo Ancelotti has a fully-fit squad to pick from for the Real Madrid’s mouthwatering trip to the Etihad.

Recent injury issues for Luka Modric, Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos have all abated for Los Blancos, who had minor concerns over Eduardo Camavinga ahead of the game.

However, the Frenchman has overcome a knee issue to make the matchday squad with Ancelotti likely to return him to the left-back spot Camavinga has recently made his own.

Several stars were rested for the weekend win over Getafe including Karim Benzema, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr.

With Militao back, reports from the Spanish media have claimed that Rodrygo could be sacrificed in a tactical shake-up from Ancelotti, who could deploy Camavinga in a more familiar midfield role.

There has been major speculation around Real Madrid’s potential starting XI and formation for the game. Journalist José Luis Sanchez has now reported the lineup manager Carlo Ancelotti will feature against Manchester City.

Thibaut Courtois starts in the goal as expected. Antonio Rudiger and the returning Eder Militao make up the two centre-backs with Dani Carvajal and David Alaba being the fullbacks. Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Eduardo Camavinga will form the midfield, while Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema will pair up front.

Los Blancos will line up in a 4-4-2 formation on Wednesday. The big changes include Camavinga moving into his preferred midfield position and Militao’s return. Moreover, Rodrygo Goes, who has been excellent in the Champions League is likely to be benched.

The lineup shared on Twitter by City Xtra attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

@AbzSemtex: “Why do they release fixture lineups so early”

@realSamOlu: “How are these lineups already out this early? Match isn’t even today. It’s tomorrow ffs”

@mcfcrr: “Haha Pep knows it’s a mind game”

@mbaalt8: “We’re playing tomorrow. This doesn’t mean anything. They leak line ups to get into city’s head”

@IsaacMCFC_: “It’s funny that they have to leak potential lineups early to try and mess with our team because they know we’re better than them”

@tier_first: “They want to make pep to over think 🤣”

@Haalandish: “Even if they don’t release it, they’re so predictable. Hearing Rodrygo is benched, this has to be their starting XI ofc.”