Does Dani Ceballos play today? Real Madrid x Manchester City in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League

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 Dani Ceballos, an experienced midfielder from the squad, represents yet another absence in the creative sector for the Whites. The Spaniard is recovering from a muscle injury to the soleus of his right leg, suffered in February during a match against Osasuna. Real Madrid seeks to overcome the extensive list of absences and gain an advantage at home, while Manchester City arrives with greater stability and favoritism due to the team’s consistency.

Dani The club confirmed the diagnosis after tests carried out by medical services, with an initial forecast of prolonged absence. Relatórios indicate that the player faces a recovery period of around seven weeks to two months, depending on progress. The injury takes him out of the match against Manchester City and puts his participation in games until the end of March or beginning of April in doubt, prioritizing complete recovery to avoid relapses.

The absence of Ceballos worsens the problems in Real Madrid’s midfield, which is already dealing with multiple absences in key positions. The midfielder contributes with vision of the game, precise passes and experience in decisive matches, having played important minutes during the season. Sem him, the team loses rotation options and rhythm control, forcing coach Álvaro Arbeloa to depend on Valverde, Tchouaméni and Güler to balance creation and transition. The absence increases pressure on the sector in a high-intensity duel.

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 include expert narration, replays and post-match analysis for fans to follow the match.

Probable lineups

Real Madrid should line up Courtois in goal, with Alexander-Arnold on the right flank, Asencio and Rüdiger in defense, Mendy on the left. In the middle, Valverde and Tchouaméni form the base, with Güler in the frame, while Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García lead the attack. The scheme seeks greater compactness and quick transitions to compensate for the lack of creativity in midfield.

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 prioritizes possession of the ball and high pressure to exploit the opponent’s weaknesses.

Impact of the absence of Ceballos

Ceballos offers versatility and control in midfield, with a history of solid performances in European competitions. Sem the Spanish, Real Madrid depends more on improvisations and players like Güler for creation. Analistas point out that the low makes the confrontation more challenging, especially against an Manchester City that maintains a high level of possession and intensity.

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. Ceballos participated in previous editions, contributing with decisive passes in key moments, which makes his absence felt in the tactical balance.

Results of the last 5 games of each team

Real Madrid presents alternating results in domestic and European competitions. Multiple injuries, including that of Ceballos, 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, favorable 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 relevance 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 Ceballos 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.