Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images
Real Madrid play one of their most important matches of the season on Wednesday night as they take on Manchester City in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie.
The first leg, played at the Santiago Bernabeu last week, ended in an enthralling 3-3 draw, leaving everything to be played for in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid do not have the fondest memories from their most recent trip to Man City’s home ground, but will be extra motivated to get the job done and make it through to the semi-finals where one of Arsenal or Bayern Munich will await.
Four stars at risk of missing semi-final first leg
Real Madrid go into the second leg of the quarter-final without key man Aurelien Tchouameni, who is suspended for the match due to accumulation of cards, having been booked thrice in the UEFA Champions League.
While the cards will be swiped clean once the quarter-final stages are done, a third yellow in the second leg on Wednesday would still see players get suspended for the first leg of the semi-finals.
And, as many as four Real Madrid stars are at the risk of facing such a scenario come Wednesday night.
Indeed, Dani Carvajal, Eduardo Camavinga, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham are all currently on two yellow cards for the season in the Champions League.
And another caution during the game against Manchester City on Wednesday would make it three and earn them a one-match suspension for the potential semi-final, provided Real Madrid make it through.
Given how important each of the four players are for Real Madrid, it would be a nightmare scenario for Carlo Ancelotti to lose any of them for the potential semi-final through suspension.
