Champions League: Real Madrid eye dramatic comeback against Manchester City

Subdued Madrid need goals

Holders Real Madrid need a positive result against Manchester City in Wednesday's Champions League match after falling 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium. Riyad Mahrez's strike in the 73rd minute gave City the advantage in the first leg of their last-16 tie. Real Madrid have it all to do at home but will be encouraged by the fact that they have already recorded memorable comebacks at the Bernabeu this season. They overturned a first-leg deficit of the same scoreline against Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 and also beat Chelsea at home in the quarter-finals, after losing the first leg 3-1.

City in command

City, on the other hand, will be confident of finishing the job and keeping their hopes of winning a first Champions League trophy alive. Pep Guardiola's side has been in excellent form this season and are top of the Premier League, three points clear of second-placed Liverpool with a game in hand. They will be looking to add to their 1-0 advantage from the first leg and book their place in the last eight.

Key players

Real Madrid will be looking to Karim Benzema to lead the line and score the goals they need. The French striker has been in excellent form this season, scoring 32 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions. He will be supported by Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde, who have also been in impressive form. City have their own attacking threats in Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne. Haaland has scored 31 goals in 32 appearances for City this season, while Mahrez has contributed 26 goals and assists. De Bruyne has been instrumental in City's success, setting up numerous goals for his teammates.