The big news ahead of the Champions League semifinal first leg between Manchester City and Real Madrid is that Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out. The Portuguese winger has been struggling with a thigh injury, with Lucas Vázquez taking his place in the Merengues' starting lineup.
Cristiano Ronaldo will not play for Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
The Portuguese winger has been struggling with a thigh injury.
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There are otherwise no real surprises, with City, as expected, having to do without the injured Yaya Touré. Madrid, meanwhile, start with Pepe alongside Sergio Ramos at the heart of defense, with Raphaël Varane starting from the bench.
City's star man Kevin De Bruyne will orchestrate his team's attack, while Real will be relying on a big performance from Gareth Bale.
Manchester City starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Joe Hart; Gaël Clichy, Nicolás Otamendi, Vincent Kompany, Bacary Sagna; Fernando, Fernandinho; David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Jesús Navas; Sergio Agüero.
Real Madrid starting lineup (4-3-3): Keylor Navas; Marcelo, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal; Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luca Modrić; Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Lucas Vázquez.
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