The top goalscorer in Champions League history, Cristiano Ronaldo, returned for Real Madrid as the Spanish giants looked to prevent Manchester City reaching their first ever Champions League final on Wednesday.
Ronaldo missed the 0-0 draw between the sides in last week’s semi-final first leg due to a thigh injury, but returns looking to equal his own record of 17 goals in a single Champions League season, set when Madrid went on to lift the trophy two years ago.
The former Manchester United man already has 16 goals in just 10 appearances in the competition this season. Real boss Zinedine Zidane opted for Jese Rodriguez and Isco to replace the injured Karim Benzema and Casemiro, whilst Lucas Vazquez also drops out of the side that started at the Etihad Stadium last week to make way for Ronaldo.
The difference in Champions League pedigree between the clubs couldn’t be starker as City are appearing in the last four for the first time, whilst Madrid are in their 27th semi-final. However, City are determined to reach the final for the first time in Milan on May 28th and outgoing coach Manuel Pellegrini makes just one change from the first leg as Yaya Toure returns in place of the injured David Silva.
Teams
Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Keylor Navas; Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (capt), Pepe, Marcelo; Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Isco; Gareth Bale, Jese Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo
Coach: Zinedine Zidane (FRA)
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Joe Hart; Bacary Sagna, Vincent Kompany (capt), Nicolas Otamendi, Gael Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho; Jesus Navas, Yaya Toure, Kevin De Bruyne; Sergio Aguero
Coach: Manuel Pellegrini (CHI)
Referee: Damir Skomina (SVN)
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