Real Madrid favorite to reach Champions League last 16 as Man City seeks midfield balance

MADRID, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid entertains Manchester City in the second leg of its Champions League play-off for a place in the last 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night, after the defending champion won away in the first leg.

Madrid has a 3-2 lead in the first leg after two late goals a week ago saw it take advantage of some chaotic defending from its rival, who had twice led thanks to goals from Erling Haaland.

Manchester City appeared to return to form at the weekend with a 4-0 win at home to Newcastle United, with recent signings Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush giving some new life to Pep Guardiola's side.

Marmoush scored a first-half hat-trick, while Gonzalez helped bring the balance to the City's midfield that has been missing since Rodri suffered his cruciate knee ligament injury.

Guardiola was keen to stop any over-enthusiasm after the match, saying his team had just a "one percent" chance to overturn last weekend's defeat, and he will be without injured Manuel Akanji for the game, while Jack Grealish and Nathan Ake are also doubts after being forced out of last week's defeat due to injury.

Real Madrid goes into the game after a 1-1 draw against Osasuna which has seen the club yet again complain about refereeing decisions going against it, after Jude Bellingham was sent off for allegedly swearing at the referee.

The good news for Carlo Ancelotti is that his injury crisis in defense looks to be easing, with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba both in with a chance of taking part on Wednesday.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Raul Asencio have both performed well in defense in recent games and could continue, while in attack, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo will be ready to pounce on any errors from the City midfield and attack at pace.

Last week both sides showed they are able to score goals, but in the end Manchester City's leaky defense was the decisive factor, if Nico Gonzalez can give City more stability in midfield, the visitors have a slight chance of overturning Madrid's lead, but Real Madrid is clear favorite to reach the last 16. ■