Real Madrid vs Manchester City – Who makes our Combined XI? | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Manchester City meet in the Champions League tonight, as the competition’s most regular modern rivalry resumes.

It’s the fifth straight season that the clubs have contested a knockout stage, including two unforgettable semi-finals.

Ahead of tonight’s clash, we’ve put together our Real Madrid and Manchester City Combined XI.

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid

A heavyweight encounter to kick things off. Thibaut Courtois and Gianluigi Donnarumma each have valid claims to be the world’s best goalkeeper. We’re splitting hairs here, but Courtois edges it. He’ll need to be at his best for Real to progress from this tie.

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn’t hit his Liverpool heights yet in a Real Madrid shirt, but there have certainly been more flashes of late. A unique talent, the right-back’s raking passes could be key to unlocking the City backline.

Centre-back: Ruben Dias – Manchester City

The Manchester City centre-back is a winner and will lead the Blues in battle tonight. He has formed an early understanding with January recruit Marc Guehi, with City unbeaten in the league since the latter’s arrival.

Centre-back: Marc Guehi – Manchester City

Has slotted seamlessly into the Manchester City side since arriving from Crystal Palace in January, offering a calming presence. Guehi belongs at this level and will be keen to prove it ahead of a glamour tie against the record Champions League winners.

Left-back: Rayan Ait-Nouri – Manchester City

With Alvaro Carreras ruled out, Rayan Ait-Nouri earns the nod at left-back. The Algerian has grown into his role under Pep Guardiola.

“He made a lot of steps forward in the last games. He understands what we want and what we need,” Guardiola said this week.

“His quality with the ball is fantastic. Defensively, he’s more aggressive and faster than people think. Working the line, he’s getting better.”

Midfield: Rodri  – Manchester City

Recent rumours have suggested Real Madrid are keen to sign Rodri this summer. The Spaniard has been the centrepiece of the City side for several seasons, dictating games from the base of the midfield. City will hope he can get back to his 2024 Ballon d’Or level after a serious knee injury.

Midfield: Federico Valverde – Real Madrid

There will be added importance on Fede Valverde this evening, in the absence of Jude Bellingham from the Real Madrid midfield. The Uruguayan is one of the most complete players around at the elite level and the heartbeat for the Spanish side.

Right-wing: Antoine Semenyo – Manchester City

Just eight years ago, Antoine Semenyo was on loan at Bath City in the sixth tier of English football. Now, he’s preparing for a Champions League night against Real Madrid.

Semenyo has made an immediate impact since arriving from Bournemouth in January, scoring seven times in 13 appearances.

Left-wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola knows Vinicius Junior represents real danger, and it will be fascinating to see who is tasked with stopping the electric winger.

Guardiola’s Kyle Walker cheat code for matching Vinicius stride for stride is gone. Walker was one of the few players in world football capable of doing so.

Forward: Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe looks hell-bent on ending his wait for an elusive European crown this season. The Frenchman fired 13 goals in just eight games, averaging a Champions League goal every 55 minutes.

He’ll be a massive miss if he fails to recover in time from a knee issue for the tie.

Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City

Erling Haaland looks set to share a goalscoring rivalry with Mbappe for the foreseeable future.

The two have shattered records on this stage, with Haaland boasting a goal-per-game ratio in the Champions League (58/58). World-class.

Read – Five moments that have defined Manchester City and Real Madrid’s rivalry

See more – Real Madrid vs Manchester City – Match preview and team news

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