Real Madrid are 'in EMERGENCY' ahead of Man City clash, Carlo Ancelotti admits - as he reveals extend of defensive injury crisis
Real Madrid are 'in EMERGENCY' ahead of Man City clash, Carlo Ancelotti admits - as he reveals extend of defensive injury crisis
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Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Real Madrid are 'in emergency' ahead of their showdown with Manchester City. The defending European champions, who beat Borussia Dortmund in last year's final, ended up with the tie of the round when they were drawn to face Manchester City in the play-off round of the Champions League. The games are set to take place over the next fortnight, with the first of the two games to be played in Manchester on February 11 and the return leg in Madrid on February 18.
![[Madrid have suffered injuries to centre backs Antonio Rudiger (pictured) and David Alaba]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/04/19/94859315-14360305-image-a-32_1738696605250.jpg)
The two sides have played each other twice in the last two years, with one side winning a tie each. City were victorious on their way to lifting the trophy in 2022-23, while Madrid won on penalties on their route to tournament victory last season. It is a tie that offers the chance for redemption for one side, with both struggling in the new initial league phase - with City coming close to elimination on the final match day.
![[They will be without both players for their clashes with City, which kick off next week]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/04/19/94859247-14360305-image-a-31_1738696523162.jpg)
But Madrid have been dealt a blow, Ancelotti has revealed, with two of their central defenders ruled out of action to go with their existing injuries, and both will miss the games. Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Real Madrid are 'in emergency' ahead of their clash with Manchester City. Madrid have suffered injuries to centre backs Antonio Rudiger (pictured) and David Alaba. They will be without both players for their clashes with City, which kick off next week.
'We are in an emergency, as both (Antonio) Rudiger and (David) Alaba will be out for 20 days. The only options at centre back are Jacobo Ramon, Raul Asencio and Tchouameni.'. Madrid have been battling injuries all season, with Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal suffering long-term issues in October and November respectively. On Saturday, Madrid lost against Espanol in LaLiga, with their lead to rivals and closest-opponents Atletico Madrid cut to a point.
To make matters worse, Madrid will face Atletico in league action this weekend, with the potential that their long-standing lead at the top of the table could evaporate. In the defeat by Espanol, Rudiger played in central defender with Tchouameni, but the former Chelsea star has been ruled out of the City clashes. One of Ramon or Asencio will now likely partner the Frenchman for the City and Atletico games.
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