Manchester City host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal series.
It’s no secret that European success is top of the list of priorities in Manchester. It’s the one major trophy that Guardiola hasn’t delivered in his time at the club. He has often been accused of overthinking as his side reaches the final stages of the competition, a criticism leveled at him since his time at Bayern Munich.
His opposite number, Carlo Ancelotti, faces no such accusations. The Italian is well acquainted with the Champions League trophy, having lifted it three times as a manager, once with Real Madrid. Los Blancos have won the trophy more times than any other club (13), and their squad is rich in experience of European success.
Karim Benzema has already shown his class in this competition, and his performance against Paris Saint-Germain was eye-catching. While Ancelotti’s approach tends to focus on getting the best out of his stars, Guardiola is no stranger to making changes to his team as he tweaks his system for a particular opponent.
When his side have been in this position in the past, Guardiola has perhaps made one change too many. City’s chances in this semifinal series likely rest on Pep Guardiola’s choices ahead of kick. In contrast, Ancelotti’s side will be easier to predict, with much of his team picking itself.
How to watch Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
| UK | USA | Canada | Australia | |
| Date | Tues, April 26 | Tues, April 26 | Tues, April 26 | Wed, April 27 |
| Time | 20:00 GMT | 15:00 ET | 15:00 ET | 05:00 AET |
| TV channel | BT Sport 2 | CBS, Univision, TUDN | — | — |
| Streaming | BT Sport | fuboTV, Paramount+ | DAZN | Stan Sport |
UK: BT Sport 2 will broadcast the match in the UK, with the stream available on the network’s platforms.
USA: The match will air on CBS (English), Univision and TUDN (Spanish) in the USA with all three channels streamed on fuboTV, available to new users on a free trial. Paramount+ will stream the match in English.
Canada: Every Champions League game in Canada streams live on DAZN.
Australia: Stan Sport has the streaming rights for every UEFA Champions League match in Australia.
Manchester City vs. Real Madrid lineups
Guardiola will be forced to shuffle his side ahead of this game. He will be without Joao Cancelo, who is suspended. John Stones and Kyle Walker are both doubts for this game, but Guardiola will be hoping that at least one will be able to make it back in time.
Nathan Ake may feature if Guardiola doesn’t have his first-choice defenders available for selection. City don’t have many other concerns. Kevin De Bruyne has been nursing an ankle issue, but isn’t expected to miss the game.
Manchester City projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Ederson (GK) — Walker, Dias, Laporte, Ake — De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan — Mahrez, Foden, Sterling
Manchester City subs (12): To be confirmed
Like their hosts, Real Madrid only have one confirmed absence ahead of this game, with Eden Hazard not expected to make the squad. There are significant doubts over David Alaba and Casemiro. Federico Valverde is likely to start for the away side. He could feature on the right, or he could move into midfield if Casemiro isn’t available from the start.
Real Madrid starting lineup (4-3-3): Courtois (GK) — Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy — Modric, Valverse, Kroos — Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid subs (12): Lunin, Fuidias, Vallejo, Nacho, Asensio, Marcelo, Casemiro, Lucas Vasquez, Bale, Dani Ceballos, Isco, Camavinga
