Does Álvaro Carreras play today? Where to watch Real Madrid vs Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16

Real Madrid faces Manchester City this Wednesday, March 11, at 9pm (Madri local time), at Estádio Santiago Bernabéu, in the first leg of the Liga round of 16 of the UEFA Campeões. The absence of Álvaro Carreras, the starting left-back and an important player in the defense, represents another significant absence for the Whites. The 22-year-old player suffered a muscle injury to his right calf, diagnosed after tests carried out on March 9. Real Madrid seeks to overcome multiple absences and gain an advantage at home, while Manchester City arrives with a more complete squad and favoritism for stability.

Álvaro Carreras was diagnosed with a muscle injury in the calf of his right leg after tests carried out by the Real Madrid medical services. The injury arose from a strong impact suffered in the recent defeat to Getafe. The club confirmed that developments will be monitored, with the expectation that the team will be away for around a week. Isso takes him out of the first game against Manchester City and puts his participation in the return game in doubt, at Etihad Stadium, on March 17th. Carreras started the season as the undisputed starter on the left flank after the arrival of Benfica, with 34 appearances in all competitions and contributions in goals and assists.

The drop in Carreras worsens the defensive crisis of Real Madrid, which already has absences in other positions. The left-back stands out for his defensive solidity, support for the attack and his ability to make precise crosses. Sem him, the team loses balance on the left flank, forcing coach Álvaro Arbeloa to depend on Ferland Mendy as the main option. The absence increases the pressure on the defense in a confrontation against a fast and dangerous attack like that of City.

Where to watch live and stream online

The match will be broadcast exclusively live on HBO Max on Brasil, with full coverage and pre-game starting at 4pm (Brasília time). No Reino Unido, the game goes to TNT Sports and Prime Video. Nos Estados Unidos, the option is Paramount+. The platforms offer specialized narration, replays and post-match analysis for fans to follow the duel.

Probable lineups

O Real Madrid deve alinhar Courtois no gol, com Alexander-Arnold na lateral direita, Asencio e Rüdiger na zaga central, Mendy na esquerda na ausência de Carreras. In the middle, Valverde, Tchouaméni and Güler form the base, while Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García lead the attack. The scheme prioritizes defensive compaction and quick transitions to compensate for the lack on the wing.

Manchester City enters with Donnarumma in goal, defense with Nunes, Dias and Guéhi. Rodri commands the midfield alongside Bernardo Silva, with Cherki, O’Reilly and Haaland in attack, supported by Semenyo. The team maintains possession of the ball and high pressure to exploit the opponent’s lateral vulnerabilities.

Impact of the absence of Carreras

Carreras established himself as a starter in the Champions League, starting eight of the team’s ten matches in the competition. Sem the full-back, Real Madrid faces greater exposure on the left flank, especially against City’s fast wingers. Analistas highlight that the low makes the confrontation more challenging at home, with Mendy needing to raise the level to contain the opponent’s attacks.

Recent clash history

The teams face each other for the fifth consecutive season in the knockout stages of the Champions. In the group stage of this edition, Manchester City won 2-1 at Bernabéu. Carreras participated in recent games against City, contributing in defense and offensive support, which makes his absence felt in the tactical balance.

Results of the last 5 games of each team

Real Madrid has mixed results in domestic and European competitions. Defensive injuries, including that of Carreras, affect the team’s consistency. Manchester City maintains a positive streak, with victories that reinforce confidence for the knockout duel.

Curiosities and arbitration

Referee Maurizio Mariani, from Itália, referees the match, with VAR Marco Di Bello, also Italian. The temperature in Madri is around 15-16°C, with partly cloudy skies and a low chance of rain, ideal conditions for a technical game.

Tickets and stadium

Santiago Bernabéu receives around 83 thousand fans. Ingressos sold out quickly for the visiting and general sectors due to the appeal of the confrontation. The local fans create intense pressure from the opening whistle.

Guesses and analysis

Manchester City is the favorite due to its greater stability and the absence of Carreras in Real Madrid. Vinícius Júnior and Courtois need to raise the bar to balance. The game promises high intensity, with the potential for goals due to the teams’ offensive power.

The duel continues next week at Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City seeks to confirm their place in the quarter-finals of UEFA’s Liga of Campeões.