Manchester City’s hopes of reaching the Champions League final remain in the balance after a 0-0 semi-final first leg draw with Real Madrid.
Manuel Pellegrini’s squad travel to the Spanish capital with a realistic chance of progress, and in the knowledge that their opponents could be depleted up front.
But anyone pinning their hopes on City lining up against a Madrid outfit lacking talisman Cristiano Ronaldo may be disappointed.
The Portuguese missed the game at the Etihad Stadium through injury, but has been spotted in training as Zinedine Zidane’s squad prepare for the return leg on home soil.
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It’s not all bad for the Premier League’s last remaining representatives, though.
Karim Benzema, who was withdrawn at half-time in the first leg through injury, was seemingly not among those involved in the session, suggesting he won’t be ready to make his return.
Madrid still have a fair few attacking options, though, and City will have to be on top form to shut out their Spanish opponents for a second time.
