Haaland’s Injury Forces Manchester City to Adjust Ahead of Madrid Clash

Madrid, Spain — Manchester City faces a significant hurdle in its Champions League playoff against Real Madrid as star striker Erling Haaland will start on the bench for the crucial second leg match. On February 19, 2025, following his stellar performance in the first leg, where he scored both goals, Haaland is battling knee pain sustained during City’s recent 4-0 victory over Newcastle United.

Despite traveling to Madrid, the 24-year-old underwent a late fitness test and was deemed unfit to start. In his absence, Omar Marmoush is expected to lead the City attack. Manager Pep Guardiola praised Marmoush’s contributions and has confidence in the January signing’s ability to fill in effectively.

Nico Gonzalez’s commendable display against Newcastle earned him a spot in the midfield, where he will partner with Ilkay Gundogan. Following a difficult debut against Chelsea, Abdukodir Khusanov will start at right back, where his speed may help contain the threats posed by Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.

Manchester City will also be playing without Nathan Ake and Jack Grealish, both fit enough only for the bench. Guardiola will rely on the experience of Kevin De Bruyne, who struggled in the first leg but is believed to be ready for the challenge ahead.

On the other side, Real Madrid welcomes back defender Antonio Rudiger. After recovering from a hamstring injury, Rudiger’s return positions Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield, while Eduardo Camavinga, who shone in the first leg, will not start this time. The only alteration Carlo Ancelotti has made resulted in this swap, aiming to maintain the successful lineup that achieved a 3-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Real Madrid’s starting XI boasts some familiar faces: Thibaut Courtois in goal, a defense including Rudiger and Ferland Mendy, with a forward line featuring Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, two players renowned for their pace and skill. The team has retained its successful front four, maintaining consistency after their previous triumph.

Guardiola is also concerned about potential suspensions. Six players risk missing the round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen if booked: Rudiger, Tchouameni, Endrick, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, and Camavinga. Awareness of this factor might influence tactical decisions during the match.

While both teams are expected to field competitive lineups, City fans will be watching Haaland’s condition closely. His presence, even from the bench, bolsters optimism regarding City’s chances against La Liga’s giants. Guardiola had earlier noted, “When he was down, everyone was scared, but he got up and walked smiling like always. The doctors didn’t come with bad news so hopefully he is fine.”

Although City lost the first leg match, they remain hopeful heading into the return leg on Wednesday at the famed Santiago Bernabeu. Winning this fixture is crucial for their ambitions, and modification in strategy with a focus on the attack will likely be central to Guardiola’s plan without his star striker.