Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that two key players will return for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff against Manchester City next week.
It reports that Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are the two key players.
Both defenders missed the first leg at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night due to injuries.
They also missed last weekend’s La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid, which ended 1-1.
In a post-match interview after Real Madrid beat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg on Tuesday, Ancelotti told reporters that Rudiger and Alaba would be available for the second leg. According to the Italian, Madrid needs both players at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“We need Rüdiger and Alaba for the return leg and I think they will be available,” the Italian said.
“It was a pretty surprising game and I didn’t think the team would be so capable of showing that level of sacrifice at this stage.”
The winner of the two legs between Madrid and City will advance to the last 16 of the Champions League.