Man City vs Real Madrid, Champions League semi-final live: Score and latest updates

06:30 PM

Real Madrid team news

As ever, Madrid have been early to release their side this evening. There’s just one change from last week’s first leg, with Eder Militao coming in to replace Antonio Rudiger.

06:27 PM

Ancelotti: ‘Bravery, courage and character are vital components’

By Mike McGrath

Carlo Ancelotti has put together a possession-based game to break Manchester City’s formidable Champions League home record and has called for “bravery and character” from his Real Madrid players at the Etihad Stadium.

City have not lost a European match on home soil for 25 matches, which is a record for an English team in the competition. But Ancelotti says his team can finally produce an away win by taking control of possession and starving service to 51-goal striker Erling Haaland.

Ancelotti will draw on his club’s experience at this stage, reaching the semi-finals 11 times in 13 years, to reach another final after the 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu last week when his team conceded 70% possession in the first half.

“In the first leg we managed to have possession of the ball, it was tough for them to get hold of it. If we can have more possession than them, if we can have the ball, it is less of risk for defensive situations,” said the Real manager.

“Bravery, courage and character are vital components. These games put you under huge pressure. If you’ve not got the character and personality have to get over the challenge, all about personality and character, that can influence how much you show your quality. Will have moments when we suffer but that’s normal.”

Real’s team bus was late to pick up the Spanish giants from Manchester Airport, causing them to be late for the media duties and open training. Ancelotti reported no injury worries, leaving him with the decision on whether to recall Éder Militão to his defence. He says he will not just focus on stopping Haaland.

“When we evaluate a team you don’t just evaluate one player, if you control Haaland you can’t forget (Bernardo) Silva or the others, (Kevin) De Bruyne. We chat with coaches, if they have to score then hopefully it’s early so we have a chance to get back in the game.”

Ancelotti also insisted the cost of each team will not matter, adding: “If you think you are the best team in the world it doesn’t make it 100% sure you’ll win, it’s not just quality in a semi-final, it can be personality, mentality, character, it’s not only quality.”

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