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Real Madrid will be without Aurelien Tchouameni for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The France international went into Tuesday’s game at Bernabeu knowing that a booking would throw him out of the second leg of the last-eight tie in Manchester.
Tchouameni, who was playing central defence, received a yellow card in the opening minute for a late challenge on Jack Grealish, and Man City took the lead from the following free kick.
The 24-year-old’s booking was his third in the Champions League this season, and he will be sidelined for the return leg in England on April 17.
Tchouameni is typically a defensive midfielder, but he has played center back on several occasions this season due to the team’s injury woes in that position.Militao or Nacho will replace Tchouameni in the second leg.
Real Madrid hopes against Manchester City at Etihad visit
Eder Militao has returned from a long-term knee ailment, but he is not yet fit to play, while David Alaba will be sidelined until next season owing to his own major knee problem.
Militao or Nacho will now join Antonio Rudiger in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against the defending European champions.
“Militao or Nacho will play. This is the idea for the comeback. “Don’t do a lot of calculations, like last year, and play face to face, like today,” Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti told reporters when asked about Tchouameni’s absence for the return match.
“We are confident that something positive will happen. The grass in Manchester is long, just as here. We have a slight disadvantage there, but our confidence remains the same.”
Tchouameni has been a key player for Real Madrid this season, making 33 appearances across all competitions, and he will be available for Saturday’s La Liga match against Mallorca.
Real Madrid boss, Ancelotti celebrates “incredible match” with Manchester City
Real Madrid fell behind 1-0 and 3-2 against Manchester City on Tuesday, but rallied on both occasions, with the first leg ending 3-3 in Madrid.
Ancelotti called it “an incredible match” and lauded his squad for their “personality” and “courage” in facing Pep Guardiola’s club.
“It was an incredible match.” There has been a lot of talent and two outstanding teams. We are pleased with our match and plan to return there. It was conceivable to win 2-1 or lose 2-3. It was an appropriate outcome for what both teams had done,” he added.
“What I enjoyed best about City was the personality, courage, and pressure from above, which made the game uncomfortable until there was no strength. We played a good game. “Equal and competitive.
Real Madrid will now look to expand their lead in the La Liga table this weekend before travelling to England to compete in the Champions League semi-finals.
