Real Madrid vs Manchester City – First Leg Lineups (UEFA Champions League 2022‑23 Semi‑Final)
The first leg of the 2022‑23 UEFA Champions League semi‑final between Real Madrid and Manchester City took place at the Etihad Stadium on 26 April 2023. The match ended in a thrilling 4‑3 victory for Real Madrid, setting up a tense second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. Understanding the starting lineups chosen by both managers provides insight into the tactical battle that unfolded on the pitch.
Match Context
Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, were defending champions and entered the tie with a strong record in knockout stages. Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, were seeking their first European Cup and had dominated the Premier League that season. Both sides entered the game with relatively full squads, though a few injury and selection decisions shaped the XI.
Real Madrid Starting XI
Carlo Ancelotti opted for a 4‑3‑3 formation, emphasizing balance between midfield control and attacking width. The lineup that took the field was:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Right‑back: Dani Carvajal
- Centre‑back: Éder Militão
- Centre‑back: David Alaba
- Left‑back: Ferland Mendy
- Defensive midfielder: Luka Modrić
