City lineup vs Real predicted as Haaland returns but in-form star dropped

CommentsSportopinionJack Flintham Sport Central Audience Writer04:00, 11 Mar 2026Updated 13:07, 11 Mar 2026Manchester City turn their attention to the Champions League tonight when they face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. City have already faced Los Blancos this season and won 2-1 thanks to Nico O'Reilly and Erling Haaland's goals.

City will hope to secure a positive result tonight before returning to the Etihad Stadium next week. The Blues made changes on Saturday night with this game in mind, so we can expect plenty of alterations in Madrid.

Gianluigi Donnarumma will return ahead of James Trafford while Marc Guehi should make his Champions League debut alongside Ruben Dias. Matheus Nunes did feature at St James' Park but should retain his spot having made the right-back position his own. Rayan Ait-Nouri is also likely to return despite Nathan Ake's solid performance at Newcastle.

Having avoided a ban on Monday, Rodri will start in defensive midfield. In front of him is where difficult decisions need to be made. Antoine Semenyo has been in brilliant form and should also make his Champions League debut.

Captain Bernardo Silva will return to the starting XI. Nico O'Reilly should be given the nod, despite a quiet game against Newcastle. Starting against the Magpies shouldn't deter Guardiola from picking him.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreFrom £1,399Seat UniqueBuy tickets hereProduct DescriptionThe Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London's Wembley Stadium this March.

Savinho played well at Newcastle, as did City's hero in the north east, Omar Marmoush. Rayan Cherki has been singled out for praise recently, too. But Jeremy Doku could be favoured. The Belgian offers City speed and directness - two qualities needed if they want to catch Real on the counter.

Leading the line will be Haaland. Marmoush will feel hard done by, but the Norwegian was rested so he could come back for this game. There is no way he does not start if fit.

City predicted XI vs Real Madrid: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Rodri; Semenyo, Bernardo, O'Reilly, Doku; Haaland