Real Madrid has found an at the most crucial moment of the season. Aurélien Tchouaméni, a defensive midfielder converted into a center-back out of necessity, and Raúl Asencio, a youth academy graduate who has surpassed other academy prospects, will be tasked with in the Champions League.

The Norwegian striker has in four previous meetings against Real Madrid—his worst record against any team in the Champions League. Among the he has faced at least twice in the competition, only three have managed to keep him off the scoresheet: .

In the , Haaland faced in the first leg (1-1 at the Bernabéu) and then in the second leg, where City won 4-0—but Haaland . In last season’s quarterfinals, closely, with , once again nullifying the Norwegian striker.

With injuries to , Ancelotti has little room to maneuver. , so tactical adjustments are necessary:

Asencio, who previously struggled against , arrives in after a strong performance against Atlético Madrid, where he:

The goal is to keep the tie alive for the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Real Madrid hopes to recover Rüdiger and further strengthen their backline.