Carlo Ancelotti’s game-plan for Manchester City second-leg ‘leaked’ by Spanish media

Manchester City may have just received an early insight into the Real Madrid tactical set-up they will be facing next week, if Spanish media are to be believed.

The two European footballing heavyweights will battle it out across another portion of 90 minutes next week in the Champions League semi-final second-leg, with a place in an Istanbul final up for grabs.

Vinicius Junior’s sumptuous opening goal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night inspired a largely dominant performance from Real Madrid. However, as the hosts failed to capitalise, Kevin De Bruyne unleashed a ferocious equaliser to secure a stalemate start next week.

However, Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff may have been handed an open goal when it comes to the tactical aspect of the meeting, as Carlo Ancelotti’s game-plan has reportedly now been ‘leaked’ in Spanish media.

According to Radio MARCA, a ‘source close to the Real Madrid coach’ Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that the Bernabeu boss intends to start wide-forward Rodrygo from the substitutes bench at the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday.

Eduardo Camavinga – who operated from the left-back role in the first-leg against Manchester City – will reportedly start in midfield, as Ancelotti implements a defensive version of the 4-4-2 formation.

It is claimed that Real Madrid will look to run the clock down against Manchester City, ensuring that the contest is not lost too early in the game, and increase the chances of extra-time or even a penalty shoot-out.

Manchester City or Real Madrid will face AC Milan or Inter Milan in the Champions League final next month, with the latter holding the advantage heading into their second-leg, with former Etihad striker Edin Dzeko on the scoresheet.

Before deciding their Champions League fate, City will hope to continue their strong position in the Premier League, as they travel to Goodison Park to take on strugglers Everton, while Arsenal face Brighton hours later.