Does Rodrygo play today? Real Madrid x Manchester City in 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 Rodrygo, an essential Brazilian striker in the squad, appears as a serious casualty for the Merengues. The player suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus in his right knee, diagnosed after tests carried out on March 3. Real Madrid seeks to overcome multiple absences and gain an advantage at home, while Manchester City arrives with a more stable squad and clear favoritism.

Rodrygo seriously injured his right knee during a recent LaLiga match. The club confirmed the diagnosis of rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and external lateral meniscus. The attacker underwent reconstruction surgery on the Espanha, with a successful procedure. The estimated recovery varies from 8 to 12 months, which takes him out of the remainder of the season and also from Copa to Mundo in 2026 with the Brazilian team.

The drop in Rodrygo intensifies the problems of Real Madrid, which is already dealing with embezzlement in key positions. The Brazilian contributes with goals, assists and versatility in attack, having scored once in Champions League this season. Sem him, the team loses offensive depth options and strength in quick transitions. Coach Álvaro Arbeloa needs to reorganize the offensive sector to compensate for the prolonged absence.

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

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, Tchouaméni and Güler form the base, while Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García lead the attack in the absence of Rodrygo. The scheme prioritizes defensive compactness and speed on exits to balance the game.

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 weaknesses.

Impact of the absence of Rodrygo

Rodrygo stands out for his ability to decide important games, with a history of decisive goals against Manchester City in previous editions. Sem the Brazilian, Real Madrid depends more on Vinícius Júnior to create opportunities. Analistas point out that the loss worsens the challenge at home against a complete opponent.

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. Rodrygo has scored in past clashes, including goals that helped Real Madrid at crucial moments, which makes his absence even more felt.

Results of the last 5 games of each team

Real Madrid presents alternating results in domestic and European competitions. Multiple injuries, including that of Rodrygo, affect the team’s consistency. Manchester City maintains a positive streak, with victories that reinforce confidence for the knockout clash.

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 relevance of the confrontation. The local fans create intense pressure from the opening whistle.

Guesses and analysis

Manchester City is a favorite due to its stability and absence of Rodrygo 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.